THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIAN SOCIETY: AN EXPLORATION OF THE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND CULTURAL ROLES OF WOMEN

This study examines the multifaceted roles of women in ancient Mesopotamian society, emphasizing their contributions to economic life, legal systems, cultural production, and religious institutions. Drawing upon cuneiform texts, archaeological findings, and recent scholarly interpretations, the paper demonstrates that women in Mesopotamia exercised considerable agency as entrepreneurs, priestesses, healers, and literary figures. The research highlights figures such as Enheduanna, often regarded as the earliest known author, whose works reflect the intellectual and spiritual authority of women. By comparing these historical patterns with contemporary developments in India, the study reveals enduring lessons for gender equity, legal reform, and economic empowerment. The paper argues that revisiting these ancient precedents can contribute to building more inclusive and equitable societies.