Prior to Bardoli Satyagraha in 1928, women's participation in the freedom struggle was already on the rise, and greatly encouraged. Organised forums such as the Mahila Parishad had taken up an active and purposeful role in regions like the Surat district. Vallabbhai Patel agreed to lead the Bardoli Satyagraha only when he was assured that half of the audience in his mass meetings would be women.
Women of Bardoli taluka across the social strata had direct involvement in the movement. A strategic framework was implemented to include all sections of the society, including, marginalised tribal and Koli women across the different fields of work required. Women worked at all levels; divisional or camp leaders, link leaders, and volunteers. Women often accompanied their husbands when they went on tours and delivered speeches. They played a complimentary yet critical role in mobilising greater support.
Some of the prominent women leaders in the Bardoli Satyagraha were Bhaktiba, Shardaben Mehta, and Mithuben Petit. Petit displayed strong leadership, addressing public meetings, guiding constructive workers, promotion of Khadi, organising Bhajan mandalis, and supervising activities of women workers. Conclusively, the role of women was a striking feature of the Bardoli Satyagraha.
Source: Indian Culture Portal