The Hindu (Vedic) tradition holds a high regard for and the greatest respect to women within its tradition as seen in the honour it gives for the Goddess, who is portrayed as the feminine embodiment of important qualities and powers. Throughout the many years of Hindu (Vedic) tradition and culture, women have always been given the highest level of respect and freedom, but also protection and safety.

 

“Women must be honored and adorned by their fathers, brothers, husbands, and brothers in law, who desire their own welfare. Where women are honored, there the gods are pleased; but where they are not honored, no sacred rite yields rewards. Where the female relations live in grief, the family soon wholly perishes; but that family where they are not unhappy ever prospers. The houses on which female relations, not being duly honored, pronounce a curse, perish completely, as if destroyed by magic. Hence men who seek (their own) welfare, should always honor women on holidays and festivals with (gifts of) ornaments, clothes and (dainty) food.”  - Manu Smriti III.55-59