05. Women Change the World Class 7 Civics Chapter 5 Notes for CBSE and UPSC

Welcome to Women Change the World Class 7 Civics Chapter 5 Notes for CBSE and UPSC.

Exam Notes: Chapter 5 – Women Change the World

Introduction

• In the previous chapter, we discussed how women’s work in the home often goes unrecognized.
• This chapter focuses on work outside the home and explores the gender stereotypes associated with certain occupations.
• We’ll also examine women’s struggle for equality, the role of education in empowering women, and efforts by the women’s movement to combat discrimination.

Work Outside the Home

Gender Stereotypes in Occupations

• Some jobs are traditionally seen as more suitable for men than women.
• Examples include farmers, factory workers, and pilots.
• Discuss how these stereotypes influence societal perceptions of gender roles.

Agricultural Work

• A significant percentage of working women in India are engaged in agricultural work.
• This includes tasks like planting, weeding, harvesting, and threshing.
• Despite women’s significant contribution, the stereotype of a male farmer persists.

Challenging Stereotypes

Real-Life Examples

• Highlight the story of Laxmi Lakra, the first woman engine driver for Northern Railways.
• Discuss her journey, overcoming stereotypes, and her determination to pursue her goals.

Influence of Stereotypes

• Explain how stereotypes affect career choices and opportunities for women.
• Discuss the impact of societal expectations on girls’ education and career paths.

Historical Context

Women’s Struggle for Education

• Explore historical barriers to women’s education.
• Mention the efforts of women like Ramabai, who championed women’s education.
• Discuss the limited roles assigned to women in traditional societies.

Visionaries and Dreams

Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain

• Describe Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain’s dream of “Ladyland,” a place where women had equal opportunities.
• Emphasize how her dream predated changes in women’s education and roles.
• Highlight her contributions to women’s education and empowerment.

Rashsundari Devi

• Discuss Rashsundari Devi’s determination to learn to read and write secretly.
• Explain how her autobiography, “Amar Jiban,” became the first known autobiography by an Indian woman.
• Highlight the challenges women faced in pursuing education in the past.

Current Education Scenario

Gender Disparities

• Present statistics on the gender gap in education.
• Discuss the progress made in recent years but emphasize the existing disparities.
• Mention the challenges faced by girls from marginalized communities.

Women’s Movement

• Introduce the concept of the women’s movement.
• Explain how women and men collectively work to address issues of discrimination and violence against women.
• Describe various strategies used by the women’s movement, such as campaigning, raising awareness, protesting, and showing solidarity.

Conclusion

• Summarize the key points discussed in the chapter.
• Highlight the importance of challenging stereotypes, promoting equal education opportunities, and supporting the women’s movement for gender equality.

Keywords and Definitions

Important Definitions for Women Change the World Class 7 Civics Chapter 5 Notes for CBSE and UPSC.

• Stereotype: When we believe that people belonging to particular groups based on religion, wealth, language are bound to have certain fixed characteristics or can only do a certain type of work, we create a stereotype.
• Discrimination: When we do not treat people equally or with respect, we are indulging in discrimination. It happens when people or organizations act on their prejudices.
• Violation: When someone forcefully breaks the law or a rule or openly shows disrespect, we can say that he or she has committed a violation.
• Sexual harassment: This refers to physical or verbal behavior that is of a sexual nature and against the wishes of a woman.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Important Questions for Women Change the World Class 7 Civics Chapter 5 Notes for CBSE and UPSC.

1. How do stereotypes affect women’s rights to equality?

Stereotypes create preconceived notions about what women can or cannot do, leading to discrimination and limiting their opportunities for equality. These biases can restrict women’s access to education, employment, and equal treatment in various aspects of life.

2. Why was learning the alphabet important for women like Rashsundari Devi, Ramabai, and Rokeya?

Learning the alphabet was crucial for these women because it was a gateway to literacy and education. In their times, women were often denied access to formal education, and by learning to read and write, they gained the power to express themselves, challenge societal norms, and advocate for women’s rights.

3. Is it true that poor girls drop out of school because they are not interested in education?

No, it’s not true. The chapter highlights various reasons for girls dropping out of school, including poverty, inadequate school facilities, discrimination, and societal expectations. These factors often force girls to leave school, and their dropout is not solely based on their lack of interest in education.

4. Can you explain the impact of stereotypes on career choices for girls and women?

Stereotypes influence career choices by limiting the options perceived as suitable for women. This affects girls’ aspirations and discourages them from pursuing fields considered traditionally male-dominated. It can also result in gender-based discrimination in employment and opportunities.

5. What are the key achievements of the women’s movement in India?

The women’s movement in India has achieved several milestones, including legal reforms to protect women’s rights, campaigns against domestic violence and sexual harassment, and raising awareness about gender stereotypes. It has also contributed to changing societal attitudes and promoting gender equality.

6. How do public rallies and demonstrations contribute to the women’s movement?

Public rallies and demonstrations serve as powerful tools to draw attention to injustices and issues related to women’s rights. They help create awareness, mobilize support, and put pressure on authorities to address gender-based discrimination and violence.

7. Can you provide examples of women’s solidarity movements around the world?

Women’s solidarity movements, like International Women’s Day, bring women together globally to celebrate achievements and renew their struggles for gender equality. These movements aim to strengthen the bonds of solidarity among women and advocate for women’s rights on a global scale.

8. What steps can individuals take to challenge gender stereotypes in their communities?

Individuals can challenge gender stereotypes by promoting education and awareness, supporting equal opportunities for all genders, advocating for gender-sensitive policies, and actively challenging prejudiced beliefs and behaviors. Engaging in open conversations about gender equality is also crucial.

9. How has the women’s movement influenced changes in laws related to women’s rights?

The women’s movement has played a significant role in advocating for changes in laws related to women’s rights. It has pushed for legal reforms addressing issues such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination. These efforts have led to the enactment of laws that provide protection and promote gender equality.

10. What are some of the persistent challenges in achieving gender equality in education?

Despite progress, challenges in achieving gender equality in education include disparities in access, quality of education, societal expectations, and the dropout rates of girls, especially from marginalized communities. Addressing these challenges requires continued efforts and policy interventions.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the primary focus of the women’s movement mentioned in the chapter?

• a) Promoting discrimination against men
• b) Raising awareness about gender stereotypes
• c) Combating discrimination and violence against women
• d) Encouraging women to conform to traditional roles
• Answer: c

2. What was the dream of Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain regarding “Ladyland”?

• a) A place where women had limited opportunities
• b) A place where women could not pursue education
• c) A place where women had equal opportunities and freedom
• d) A place where men dominated all aspects of life
• Answer: c

3. What is the term used to describe physical or verbal behavior of a sexual nature against the wishes of a woman?

• a) Violation
• b) Stereotype
• c) Discrimination
• d) Sexual harassment
• Answer: d

4. What is the main reason behind many girls dropping out of school, as discussed in the chapter?

• a) Lack of interest in education
• b) Inadequate school facilities
• c) Parental encouragement for marriage
• d) Excessive academic pressure
• Answer: b

5. Which of the following actions can individuals take to challenge gender stereotypes in their communities?

• a) Promoting prejudiced beliefs
• b) Encouraging gender-based discrimination
• c) Engaging in open conversations about gender equality
• d) Advocating for traditional gender roles
• Answer: c

6. What percentage of working women in India are engaged in agricultural work, as mentioned in the chapter?

• a) 50%
• b) 65%
• c) 75%
• d) 83.6%
• Answer: d

7. Which term refers to the belief that people belonging to certain groups have fixed characteristics or can only perform specific types of work?

• a) Discrimination
• b) Stereotype
• c) Violation
• d) Equality
• Answer: b

8. What was Rashsundari Devi’s age when she began learning to read and write secretly?

• a) 10 years old
• b) 14 years old
• c) 18 years old
• d) 25 years old
• Answer: b

9. Which movement is focused on advocating for women’s rights and gender equality?

• a) Men’s Movement
• b) Feminist Movement
• c) Gender Stereotype Movement
• d) Traditionalist Movement
• Answer: b

10. What is the primary purpose of public rallies and demonstrations in the context of the women’s movement?

• a) Promoting gender-based discrimination
• b) Celebrating traditional gender roles
• c) Drawing attention to injustices and women’s rights issues
• d) Encouraging women to conform to societal expectations
• Answer: c

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