Changing the Human in Human Rights

A children's book writer, an academic, a delegate, and a freedom fighter- multifaceted Hansa Mehta achieved so much in her life when patriarchy tried to bind her legs at each step. Today marks the birth anniversary of this woman who strived to make this world a better place for every woman.

Hansa Mehta- Probably seconds after her mic drop moment; Image Source: Live History India

When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.

Audre Lorde

Huge steps for mankind often meant that women were left behind. Historically, they have not been allowed to take part in revolutions and be part of freedom struggles, as the domain of the domestic was seen as their natural place of being. Yet, this never deterred them from stepping outside of their homes and fighting injustice- be it inherent in tradition and costumes or imposed by a foreign power.

Hansa Mehta’s life is a clear declaration of what all women aspire to achieve and end up achieving despite all odds. Born on 3 July 1897, Hansa dedicated her every breath to the liberation of all. At a time when women enrolling into schools was a big deal, she not only completed her graduation but also went to England to study sociology and journalism. It was here that she met Sarojini Naidu, a compatriot in the freedom struggle and women’s empowerment movement.

Hansa’s first great act of defiance was marrying the man of her choice. She belonged to a Nagar Brahmin family and was expected to marry into the same caste. But the man she loved, Jivraj Narayan Mehta belonged to a caste that was believed to be lower than that of hers.

It was only after the intervention of Baroda’s king that they could be together.

Now was the time to turn the personal into the political and Hansa left no stone unturned. The country was drowned in the fervor to gain independence and she was greatly influenced by Gandhi. Thus, along with like-minded women she organised rallies, joined picket lines, and got liquor shops closed down. In all these actions, issues of colonisation and problems faced by women were a joint target.

For participating in such activities, Hansa was arrested and so was an apolitical Jivraj. This direct engagement with the injustice of the British propelled him to join his wife.

Her politics began with her election to the Bombay Legislative Assembly. After this, breaking the glass ceiling became her life’s mission. Hansa was one of the fifteen women who were a part of India’s Constituent Assembly. Her prime inputs involve ensuring that the constitution is egalitarian, inclusive, and ensures equality for women.

After this, Hansa served at many important positions where she materrikased her vision for women empowerment. These include the president of the All India Women's Conference, the vice-chancellor of SNDT Women's University, president of Inter University Board of India.

The cherry on top of her mammoth list of achievements was her amendment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The charter used the phrase'' all men are created equal" and Hansa, India’s delegate to the United Nation, highlighted how language impacts our very understanding of humans and human rights. Hence, it is due to her efforts that this binding document uses all human beings in the place of just men now.

In her pursuit of freedom and quality, Hansa Mehta made sure that everyone was included in the vision for a better society. A woman who did not fear to make her choices, no matter how difficult the circumstances, she remains a source of inspiration for the Indian feminist movement.