The women who joined Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's fight against caste discrimination played a crucial role in his mission. Dr Ambedkar, an eminent figure in Indian history was renowned for his multifaceted contributions as a jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer. He devoted his life to combating social injustices, particularly those inflicted upon Dalits, and advocating for the rights of women and labourers, and dedicated himself to ending inequality in India.
He encouraged marginalised groups, especially Dalit women, to stand up for their rights. Dr Ambedkar vehemently opposed regressive religious practices perpetuating the exploitation of young girls, urging them to challenge such traditions and reclaim their agency. Along with him in this endeavour, were women who made significant contributions, playing a pivotal role in the fight for equality and social justice.
Shantabai Krushnaji Kamble
A prominent writer and the first woman Dalit autobiographer, Shantabai gathered over 3,000 women in 1927 to make a statement. As a young girl in school, she faced discrimination, but eventually grew to become the face of activism and education within the Dalit community. Born in Mahud Budruk in Solapur district, Shantabai’s parents valued education. Despite being forced to sit outside the class in third grade with other Dalit students, she remained determined to pursue her education.
With her resilience, she soon become a teacher at the Women’s College in Pune. Shantabai and her husband later joined Dr BR Ambedkar’s movement, deeply impacted by the growing Dalit resistance. Inspired by Ambedkar, they embraced Buddhism in 1957. This gesture was symbolic of their rejection of caste discrimination. Reflecting on this transformative moment, Shantabai remarked, "We began to live as human beings only having embraced Buddhism`."
Baby Kamble
Born into the Mahar caste, Baby Kamble, affectionately known as Babytai Kamble, left an indelible mark as an Indian activist and writer. Inspired by the teachings of Ambedkar, she became a prominent Dalit leader. Along with her family, she embraced Buddhism as well, remaining devout throughout her life. Affectionately called "Tai" (sister) within her community, she earned admiration for her powerful literary contributions and activism. Breaking barriers as one of the earliest women writers from marginalised communities, her feminist perspective illuminating the specific intersectional struggles of Dalit women.
Babytai's "Jina Amacha" (The Prisons We Broke), provided a narrative of Dalit women's experiences, resonating widely and translated into multiple languages. Additionally, she authored numerous poems and articles depicting Dalit life and operated an ashram for underprivileged children. Born in 1929 to a relatively affluent family, Babytai's miraculous survival at birth, recounted in her memoir, underscored the harsh realities faced by many due to medical limitations and blind faith. Her father, a successful labour contractor, exemplified generosity, often prioritising the welfare of his workers, illustrating Babytai's early exposure to both privilege and social injustice.
Shantabai Dhanaji Dani
Shantabai Dhanaji Dani (1919–2001) was a key figure in the fight against caste discrimination. She dedicated her life to promoting social equality and justice within the Ambedkarite movement. From protesting against the Pune Pact in 1932 to leading as secretary of the Nashik branch of the Scheduled Caste Federation, she remained deeply involved. As president of the Scheduled Caste Federation Mahila Parishad in Kanpur, she fought for the rights of marginalised women. Shantabai was inspired by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's speech at her college in 1942, which fueled her commitment to serving her community with Ambedkarite values. Her encounters with caste discrimination, such as being sent to the cow shed at a family's feast, reflect the ongoing struggle for dignity and equality she faced.