From Structural Humiliation to Dignity: Educational Empowerment of Marginalized Women through an Ambedkarian Perspective

Abstract

Women belonging to marginalized communities in India often experience multiple forms of oppression manifested through caste, gender discrimination, and structural humiliation. The philosophical ideas of B. R. Ambedkar provide a powerful framework for understanding and addressing these inequalities. This study explores Ambedkar’s vision of women’s emancipation with particular emphasis on education as a transformative tool for restoring dignity and social equality. Using qualitative content analysis, the study examines selected writings and speeches of Ambedkar from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar: Writings and Speeches to identify key themes related to women’s empowerment, social justice, and educational liberation. The analysis reveals that caste operates as a system of structural humiliation, reinforced by religious ideology and institutional practices that sustain gender and social inequality. It further demonstrates that Ambedkar viewed education as a fundamental means of challenging caste-based patriarchy, enabling marginalized women to resist exclusion and reclaim their agency. The paper argues that Ambedkar’s educational philosophy remains highly relevant for addressing contemporary issues of gender injustice and social marginalization in India. By situating his ideas within an intersectional framework, the study contributes to ongoing debates on social justice, feminist theory, and educational empowerment. It further suggests that educational policies informed by Ambedkarian thought can play a crucial role in fostering dignity, equality, and agency among marginalized women.