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The First Woman Speaker of Lok Sabha is Meira Kumar. She served the 15th Lok Sabha from 2009 to 2014. Moreover, she created history in India by being the first woman speaker of the Lok Sabha on the 3rd of June, 2009. Additionally, her rising career in politics made her one of the strong advocates for women’s rights and inclusivity. Kumar belonged to a Dalit family that was politically active. Furthermore, before joining politics, she joined the Indian Foreign Service and served for almost a decade. Rajiv Gandhi, the erstwhile Prime Minister asked Meira Kumar to come to India, after being posted to Madrid and London, and join politics because she will have a good future here.
Biography of Meira Kumar
In addition, here is a brief about the First Woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha:
| Born | 31st March, 1945 |
| Birthplace | Patna (now in Bihar state), India |
| Mother | Indrani Devi |
| Father | Jagjivan Ram |
| Occupation | Indian diplomat, politician, government official |
| Speaker of Lok Sabha | 2009 to 2014 |
| Notable Achievement | First woman to hold the position of Speaker of Lok Sabha |
| Education | B.A. and M.A. in English literature, LL.B from the University of Delhi |
| Family Background | Born into a political family of Dalit origin |
| Role in the Independence Movement | Prominent figure in the Indian independence movement |
| Government Positions | Minister of Defense (1977-1979) Deputy Prime Minister (briefly in 1979) |
| Contributions | Advocate of independence, social worker |
Legacy of the First Woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Meira Kumar is not just an active member of politics but she is also an epitome of women empowerment. She became an inspiration for women throughout India after being the first woman Lok Sabha speaker.
- She led the process of making gender-neutral rules in the Lok Sabha. Hence, replacing specific gendered terms with gender-neutral ones creates a more inclusive environment in Parliament.
- Moreover, created the Parliamentary Friendship Group for closer relations between India and Bhutan.
- She also was the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment from 2004 to 2009. Thereafter as the Minister of Water Resources briefly in 2009.
- Notably, elected to the 8th, 11th, 12th and 14th Lok Sabha. Thus serving as a Member of Parliament for over 25 years.
- She was the second woman to be nominated for President of India by a major political block (United Progressive Alliance) in 2017, although she lost to the NDA nominee.
- Meira was also in many Parliamentary committees like the Public Accounts Committee and the Joint Committee on the Empowerment of Women.
- Lastly, she is passionate about creative expression, publishing her poetry and paintings in reputed magazines and newspapers.
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