The most marginalized constituency of human society is that of a woman. It cuts across the boundaries of caste, creed, religion and region. In advanced countries, women are enjoying better status but the condition of women remains generally poor in the third world countries. Indian society is no exception. Though Indian society is changing fast yet women in rural and semi-urban areas remain marginalized. Women did enjoy better status in Vedic ages. They were well looked after, they could get education and even widow marriage was socially sanctioned. But in mediaeval times, their condition became deterioted. The practices of purdah system, dowry and sati degraded the status because of which daughters are considered a burden. There are many reasons for their poor status. Illiteracy is the most important of them. Lack of knowledge awareness of self and society employment opportunities rob women their freedom. No country can make progress if condition of women remains deplorable. Thus the need of the hour is that women should be empowered and their status both in family and society should be improved. Women improvement has now become buzzword in India. The last decade witnessed very active and multifaceted efforts in various national and International forums for achieving principles of equality