Abstract:

Women’s participation in the Boycott and Swadeshi movements marked an important transformation in the history of India’s freedom struggle. The Swadeshi movement, particularly after the Partition of Bengal in 1905, encouraged Indians to reject foreign goods and promote indigenous products. Although women had traditionally been associated with domestic responsibilities, the movement created new opportunities for them to participate in public and political activities. Women contributed to the boycott of foreign cloth, sugar, salt, and other imported products by refusing to purchase or use them. They promoted Indian-made goods and encouraged families and communities to adopt Swadeshi practices. Many women participated in spinning, weaving, and the promotion of indigenous handicrafts, thereby connecting household activities with nationalist politics. Their homes became important spaces for spreading nationalist ideas and strengthening economic self-reliance.

Women also participated in public demonstrations, processions, meetings, picketing of shops selling foreign goods, and collection of funds for nationalist organisations. Educated women helped spread political awareness through social networks, schools, literary activities, and community organisations. Their involvement demonstrated that the freedom struggle was not confined to political leaders or male activists.

The participation of women in Boycott and Swadeshi activities also challenged prevailing gender norms. By entering public spaces and taking part in political campaigns, women gradually developed greater political consciousness and a sense of citizenship. At the same time, their participation remained closely connected with domestic responsibilities, as the household became a major site of economic nationalism.

Keywords:

Women, Participation, Boycott, Swadeshi, Nationalism, Freedom, Movement, Foreign-Goods, Indigenous, Economy, Handicrafts, Spinning, Weaving, Picketing, Empowerment.

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