Social Reform Movement and Women Empowerment in Dawoodi Bohras

Every society goes through the pangs of reform and change. But, the leaders of society representing the status quo strongly resist any movement for reform and change since it deprives them of leadership and hurts their vested interests. Those who advocate reforms are denounced as enemy, heretics, unbelievers, innovators and violators of religious sanctity. The present study dwells upon the ongoing century old Dawoodi Bohra reform movement. It is alive and kicking because of the women's unwavering staunch support. The Bohra reform movement is an integral part of the social reform movements all over the country as it is for the freedom of conscience, human dignity, democratic rights and women empowerment. The study strives to find out the answers to the questions - why are the Bohra women fighting for social reform on the issues of FGM (woman Khatna), inheritance (virasat), unnecessary inhumanly restrictions during Iddaha after husband's death, equal rights to women for giving talaq, proper maintenance and many other subjects within the community? How far have they freed themselves from misaq (oath of allegiance), raza (permission) and baraat (social boycott) etc? How are reform movements are empowering women against religious leaders’ oppression?