ABSTRACT
The force of history of movements and ideologies that swept across the world through the larger part of the twentieth century were such that a specific historical context could spur into action men and women from very diverse backgrounds. The politics of language has played an important role in promoting and strengthening the subordination of women – especially in highly stratified societies. India has accepted many international obligations of an ideological nature – especially in the areas of human rights, development and cultural rights, minority rights – as well as women’s and children’s rights. Centre for Women’s Development Studies own history and character is deeply imbedded within the second wave of the Women’s Movement and the birth of Women’s Studies in India. Through a quarter century it has straddled several worlds – of academe, governance and specialised professions vital for social and human development.
