Zealous Reformers, Deadly Laws: Battling Stereotypes

This book, by one of the pioneers of the contemporary women’s rights movement in India, delves deeply into legislation and law enforcement to explore the reasons why laws enacted for the purpose of enforcing women’s rights in India end up producing such dismal results. The compilation also reviews the author’s own role in the women’s movement and contains a critical evaluation of feminist interventions for legal reform. A running theme in the book is the need to adopt a culturally sensitive approach to social reform that respects the aspirations and cherished values of those in whose lives we wish to introduce changes. Zealous Reformers, Deadly Laws: Battling Stereotypes is neither pessimistic nor nihilistic in its approach to social reform. Instead, it provides some practical solutions in the form of alternative strategies that have produced better result in combating anti-women practice. The solutions proposed are based on the varied experiences of the author as well as that of other significant reform efforts. The tone of the collection is partly that of a political autobiography. While the articles offer a sharp critique of some of the strategies adopted by leading sections of the women’s movement in India, Kishwar is forthright in admitting to the mistakes she has herself committed and how she has had to rethink and rework her own strategies over the years. Lucidly written the book avoids high-flown rhetoric, reflecting a willingness to learn from peoples experience rather than impose ideologically determined formulae on their lives. The book will interest a wide readership, especially women’s studies scholars, students, academicians, lawyers, journalists and the people engaged in diverse struggles for a more vibrant democracy.