Broken Voices: 'Untouchable' Women Speak Out

by Valerie Mason-John

These previously undocumented stories reveal the lives of the Dalit—or untouchable women—in India by highlighting the continuing issues of human rights and discrimination. Recording such experiences as working in rice fields and living in slums, this work includes oral histories and covers a wide range of topics, including dowry burnings, marriages, beggars, human traffickers, and political and social activists. An exploration of the effects of Dr. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s constitution and the advocate of positive reservations for untouchables in education and employment, and other historical movements and religious texts on these women is also included.

218 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Gemma Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This very inspiring book tells the stories of Dalit ( formerly Untouchable ) women in their own words. This is worth loads, as these are some of the poorest, most oppressed and downtrodden people on the planet, and it's great for their voices to be heard. Despite all the odds stacked against them, their achievements and courage are amazing! It was also great to learn more about Dr Ambedkar, who certainly should be widely known and respected. Makes you proud of your sisters - Jai Bhim!