A NEW VISION TOWARDS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN THE LIGHT OF WOLLSTONECRAFT, NIVEDITA AND NODDINGS

This paper explores the contributions of three influential thinkers-Mary Wollstonecraft, Sister Nivedita, and NelNoddings-to the vision of womens empowerment. Drawing on their works from different historical periods, the paper examines the commonalities and shared principles underlying their perspectives while also highlighting their distinct contributions. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of a new vision towards women empowerment that integrates their ideas. The analysis begins with an examination of Mary Wollstonecrafts contributions during the 18th century womens empowerment movement. Wollstonecrafts emphasis on education as a means of empowerment, her critique of gender roles and norms, and her advocacy for womens political and legal rights serve as foundational pillars for subsequent discussions. Moving into the 20th century, the paper then delves into Sister Niveditas contributions within the Indian context. Niveditas focus on cultural preservation, recognition of womens agency, and the promotion of self-reliance for Indian women provide a unique perspective on womens empowerment and the intersectionality of culture and gender. The exploration continues with an analysis of NelNoddings work in the 19th century. Noddings brings an ethical dimension to the discussion, emphasizing the importance of empathy, compassion, and caring relationships in empowering women and nurturing their holistic well-being. Drawing upon these three distinct perspectives, the paper identifies commonalities and shared principles, such as the recognition of womens agency, the challenge to gender roles and norms, and the importance of education in empowerment. It also explores the implications of their ideas for contemporary womens empowerment movements, highlighting their continued relevance in addressing ongoing challenges and shaping the pursuit of gender equality. Finally, the paper concludes with reflections on the new vision towards womens empowerment that emerges from the synthesis of these influential thinkers. It highlights the significance of recognizing and valuing diversity, embracing intersectionality, and promoting inclusive and compassionate approaches in empowering women in contemporary society. This paper contributes to the existing literature on womens empowerment by offering a comprehensive exploration of a new vision that draws from the ideas of Wollstonecraft, Nivedita, and Noddings. It underscores the relevance of their contributions in addressing persistent challenges and shaping contemporary efforts towards achieving gender equality and creating a more inclusive and empowering society.