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India has been home to many famous women activists who have tirelessly fought for equality, justice and social reform. These popular women have played important roles in advancing issues like women’s rights, education, environmental conservation, human trafficking and legal reforms. From grassroots movements to national-level advocacy, famous women activists in India have created lasting change, challenging societal norms and empowering marginalised communities. Let us discuss these women activists in India who have contributed to and broken the stereotypes surrounding women!
Table of Contents
- 1 List of Women Activists in India
- 1.1 Kamla Bhasin: Feminist and Gender Equality Advocate
- 1.2 Savitribai Phule: Torchbearer of Women’s Education
- 1.3 Teesta Setalvad: Human Rights Advocate
- 1.4 Medha Patkar: Champion of Narmada Bachao Andolan
- 1.5 Sunitha Krishnan: Anti-Human Trafficking Crusader
- 1.6 Aruna Roy: Advocate for RTI
- 1.7 Swati Maliwal: Delhi Women’s Rights Advocate
- 2 FAQs
List of Women Activists in India
| Name | Field of Activism | Contributions |
| Kamla Bhasin | Gender Equality, Feminism | Co-founder of South Asia’s One Billion Rising Movement |
| Savitribai Phule | Education, Social Reforms | First school for Girls in India |
| Teesta Setalvad | Human Rights, Justice | Advocate for victims of communal violence |
| Medha Patkar | Environmental, Social Justice | Leader of the Narmada Bachao Andolan |
| Sunitha Krishnan | Anti-Human Trafficking | Founder of NGO Prajwala fighting sex trafficking |
| Aruna Roy | Right to Information | RTI Act |
| Indira Jaising | Human Rights, Legal Reforms | India’s first female Additional Solicitor General |
| Laxmi Agarwal | Anti-Acid Attack | Advocate for acid attack survivors |
| Ruchira Gupta | Anti-Human Trafficking | Founder of Apne Aap Worldwide |
| Swati Maliwal | Women’s Rights | Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women |
| Vandana Shiva | Environmental Activism | Advocate for sustainable agriculture |
| Aranya Johar | Feminist Poet, Mental Health | Known for her spoken word poetry on women’s issues |
| Manasi Pradhan | Women’s Rights | Founder of OYSS Women |
| Vrinda Grover | Human Rights, Legal Activism | Advocate for women’s rights and justice |
| Yashoda Devi | Rural Women Empowerment | Advocates for Dalit women’s rights |
Also Read – Famous Women Scientists Who Changed the World
Kamla Bhasin: Feminist and Gender Equality Advocate
Kamla Bhasin was a renowned feminist, poet, author and human rights activist in India who focused on gender equality, patriarchy, and violence against women. She lived in New Delhi, India, and is best known for her work with Sangat – A Feminist Network and her poem “Kyunki Main Ladki Hoon.” In 1995, she gave a feminist take on the poem “Azadi (Freedom)” at a conference. She also led the South Asia team for One Billion Rising. In 2002, Bhasin stepped down from her U.N. role to dedicate more time to Sangat, a group she helped create and guide.
| Details | Information |
| Born | 24th April, 1946 |
| Contributions | Advocated for gender equality |
| Famous Work | Founding member of Sangat |
| Main Cause | Women’s rights and gender equality |
Also Read – The Saga of Savitribai Phule, India’s First Lady Teacher
Savitribai Phule: Torchbearer of Women’s Education
Savitribai Phule was one of India’s first female teachers, social reformers and poets in India. She along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, opened the first school for girls in India and helped advance women’s rights in Maharashtra, working towards ending caste and gender discrimination. She is seen as the founder of India’s feminist movement. Their first school for girls was established in 1848 in Pune at Bhidewada, the home of Tatyasaheb Bhide.
| Details | Information |
| Born | January 3, 1831 |
| Contributions | Established the first school for girls |
| Main Cause | Education for marginalized communities |
Also Read – The Heroic Role of Women in India’s Freedom Struggle
Teesta Setalvad: Human Rights Advocate
Teesta Setalvad is a human rights activist and journalist who has been actively involved in advocating for justice for the victims of the 2002 Gujarat riots. Setalvad has been vocal in her fight against religious fundamentalism and her commitment to human rights.
| Details | Information |
| Born | February 9, 1962 |
| Contributions | Fighting for Gujarat riot victims |
| Famous Work | Co-founder of Citizens for Justice and Peace |
| Main Cause | Human rights, communal harmony |
Medha Patkar: Champion of Narmada Bachao Andolan
Medha Patkar is a social activist best known for her role in the Narmada Bachao Andolan, which protested against the construction of large dams on the Narmada River. Her activism raised awareness about the displacement of thousands of villagers and the environmental impact of large-scale infrastructure projects. She has also worked for the upliftment of women facing injustice, tribals, farmers and labourers and environment conservation.
| Details | Information |
| Born | December 1, 1954 |
| Contributions | Narmada Bachao Andolan leader |
| Work | Advocacy against displacement |
| Main Cause | Environmental justice |
Also Read – Laws for Women’s Safety in India
Sunitha Krishnan: Anti-Human Trafficking Crusader
Sunitha Krishnan is a renowned anti-human trafficking activist and the founder of Prajwala, an organization that rescues and rehabilitates victims of human trafficking. Krishnan’s work has led to the rescue and rehabilitation of over 12,000 survivors of sexual exploitation. She was also awarded the Padma Shri in 2016 for her work.
| Details | Information |
| Born | 1972 |
| Contributions | Founder of Prajwala |
| Work | Rescued thousands from trafficking |
| Main Cause | Anti-human trafficking |
Aruna Roy: Advocate for RTI
Aruna Roy is a social activist and the woman behind the Right to Information (RTI) movement in India. Her activism led to the enactment of the RTI Act, which allows citizens to request information from the government. It has increased transparency and accountability in governance.
| Details | Information |
| Born | June 26, 1946 |
| Contributions | Right to Information movement |
| Work | Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan |
| Main Cause | Transparency in governance |
Also Read – Know All About the First Woman Prime Minister of India
Swati Maliwal: Delhi Women’s Rights Advocate
Swati Maliwal the Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women, has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and safety. Her activism has brought attention to issues like rape, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination.
| Details | Information |
| Born | October 15, 1984 |
| Contributions | Chairperson of Delhi Commission for Women |
| Work | Advocating for women’s safety in Delhi |
| Main Cause | Women’s rights, safety |
FAQs
Medha Patkar is the founding member of the Narmada Bachao Andolan, which worked for the conservation of the Narmada River and not built a dam over it.
Ramabai Ranade is one of the first women’s rights activists in India, who worked during the 20th century for the cause of women’s education and self-reliance.
The biggest feminists in India are Savitribai Phule, Tarabai Shinde, Pandita Ramabai, Ramabai Ranade, etc.
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