The Educational Empowerment of Dalit Women in Kerala

Abstract

Abstract

Education is for the upliftment and development of a society. India is a very rich and prosperous country, both culturally and demographically. It showcases diversity in caste, religion, language, gender, and education.

The education in India in the early period of time was based on the Vedas. Later, Indian education shifted to astrology, mathematics, and philosophy. Kerala played a significant role in Indian education. The state has the highest literacy rate in India. Many students are enrolled in school and pursuing higher education. They all live in ideal conditions to succeed academically. Excellent classrooms, libraries, and other surroundings encourage children to learn.

However, it is necessary to discuss Dalit education in Kerala, especially the education of Dalit women. Although it has changed a lot in the 21st century, there are still social and political changes to be made. The people of the Dalit tribe, who were denied education during the feudal system in Kerala, started getting education due to the intervention of renaissance leaders Ayyankali, Sree Narayana Guru, Pattam Thanupilla, K. P. Appan, etc. At that time, only a very few people started getting an education. Among them, the number of women was very less.

Therefore, it is essential to study the importance of Dalit women’s education in Kerala. The role of educational institutions, including universities, in this regard is covered in this paper. The present study aims to address the need for inclusive education policies and examine Dalit women’s education and the problems faced by Dalit women in Kerala society. By using Subaltern theory, its positive effect on Dalit women’s education in contemporary Kerala society is explored in this paper.

The study will be a tool for developing targeted-based programs fostering consciousness and self-awareness among Dalit women. Dalit women's pursuit of education thus emerges as a lived philosophy and redefines the discourse on social justice, human dignity, and the emancipatory potential of knowledge.

The study also identifies the traditional caste system and Dalit women’s education in the context of Kerala based on a review of available literature.

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