“THESE MAD WOMEN” YCN IV #4 The protests weren’t solely because of the women’s taxes, although that was the primary reason. The women also sought to take back their place in the system. Before the British imposed indirect rule on them, women held positions and titles and were greatly respected. But with the presence of the British administrators, women were stripped of their titles, and all powers were transferred to the men. The Demonstration represents a decision to stand up against the injustice meted out to them, and the women’s taxation policy provided a perfect opportunity for them to fight back.