On International Women’s Day, people around the world unite to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of women who have dismantled stereotypes, broken down barriers, and changed the course of history. The path of women’s empowerment in India is adorned with the tales of remarkable people who have made a lasting impact in a variety of fields. These women have paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable society by challenging norms and conventions in a variety of fields, including politics, science, the arts, and sports. Let’s take a moment to honour and celebrate these remarkable women who were pioneers who helped to shape the history of our country.
Savitribai Phule : Savitribai Phule, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, was a pioneer in promoting education for girls and women in India during the 19th century. She established the first school for girls in Pune in 1848 and dedicated her life to the cause of women’s education.
Sarla Thakral: Sarla Thakral became the first Indian woman to fly an aircraft in 1936 at the young age of 21. She earned her pilot’s license and flew a Gypsy Moth solo, breaking barriers in aviation at a time when very few women were involved in flying.
Sarojini Naidu: A prominent freedom fighter and poet, she was the first woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress and the first woman to serve as a governor in independent India.
Amrita Sher-Gil: Amrita Sher-Gil was a revolutionary Indian painter often hailed as the “Indian Frida Kahlo.” Her bold and distinctive style depicted the struggles and complexities of Indian society, making her a pioneer in the world of Indian art.
Anandi Gopal Joshi: Anandi Gopal Joshi was the first Indian woman to obtain a degree in Western medicine in 1886. Her dedication to pursuing higher education in medicine, despite societal norms, opened doors for women in the field of healthcare.
Sucheta Kriplani: Sucheta Kriplani was the first woman to be elected as Chief Minister of an Indian state (Uttar Pradesh) in 1963. A prominent freedom fighter and social reformer, she played a crucial role in shaping India’s political landscape.
Kalpana Chawla: Kalpana Chawla made history as the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space. She served as a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 and tragically lost her life during the shuttle’s re-entry in 2003. Her legacy continues to inspire aspiring astronauts worldwide.
Mithali Raj: Mithali Raj is the first female cricketer from India to surpass the 6,000 run mark in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Her achievements in cricket have inspired countless young girls to pursue their passion for sports and break gender barriers.
Indira Gandhi: The first and, to date, the only female Prime Minister of India, she played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s political landscape during her tenure.
PrathibhaPatil: Is an Indian politician and lawyer who served as the 12th president of India. She was the first woman to become the president of India, she broke barriers in the highest office of the nation.
Mary Kom: A world-renowned boxer, she has won numerous international medals and is a six-time world champion, breaking stereotypes in the male-dominated sport of boxing.
Dipa Karmakar: A gymnast who represented India at the Olympics, she became the first Indian female gymnast to compete in the Olympics and gained international recognition for her achievements.
Deepa Malik – A Paralympic athlete and motivational speaker, Malik became the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympic Games, overcoming physical challenges with sheer determination and resilience.
Neerja Bhanot – First woman recipient of the Ashoka Chakra Award, India’s highest civilian award for bravery, posthumously awarded for her heroism during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in 1986.
Arunima Sinha is an Indian mountaineer and sportswoman, she is the world’s first female amputee to scale Mount Everest (Asia), Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Elbrus (Europe), Mount Kosciuszko (Australia), Aconcagua (South America), Denali (North America) and Vinson Massif (Antarctica) and is also a seven time volleyball player.
Bachendri Pal – The first Indian woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, Pal’s historic achievement inspired countless women to pursue their dreams and break free from societal constraints.
These extraordinary women have not only achieved remarkable success in their respective fields but have also inspired countless others to dream big and break barriers. On this Women’s Day, let us celebrate their achievements and continue to strive for a more inclusive and equitable society for all.