Religion, Rights and Change

Abstract

What, then, may one say of the Bangladeshi women with whose story this study began, whose morality in their community firmly depends upon their helplessness? Can the theoretical, legal, theological, and practical challenges to the implementation of rights norms be surmounted? Might the human rights idea ever be of practical assistance to them as they struggle to keep themselves and their children alive?

I would answer the question by a counter question: Has not the independence of man and his holding property led to the spread of immorality amongst men? If you answer “yes” then let it be so also with women. And when women have rights of ownership and the rest like men, it will be found that the enjoyment of such right is not responsible for their vices or virtues. Morality which depends upon the helplessness of a man or a woman has not much to recommend it. Morality is rooted in the purity of hearts.

Mahatma Gandhi¹