India, known for its rich cultures and traditions, has been wrestling with deep-rooted gender inequalities for a long time. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, societal norms and structural barriers have perpetuated disparities in education, employment, healthcare and leadership roles. However, amidst these challenges, numerous individuals have emerged as champions, dedicating their lives to bridging the gender gap and promoting inclusivity.
These champions have worked tirelessly to challenge stereotypes, making their contributions pivotal steps toward building a more equitable India. Let us explore the lives of ten such individuals who have made remarkable strides in advancing gender equality in India.
1. Savitribai Phule
The mid-19th century witnessed a revolutionary force in Savitribai Phule, a pioneer of women’s education in India. Alongside her husband Jyotirao Phule, she founded the first school for girls in Pune, challenging deeply ingrained patriarchal and caste-based norms. Savitribai’s activism extended to combating practices like child marriage, widow ostracism and sati. Savitribai’s legacy continues to inspire activists striving for equitable access to education and the elimination of caste and gender biases.
2. Kamla Bhasin
Kamla Bhasin was a feminist icon who redefined gender discourse in South Asia. Her work with Sangat, a South Asian feminist network, addressed crucial issues like domestic violence, reproductive rights and economic independence. She was known for her strong slogans like “Azaadi,” which stood for freedom from patriarchal oppression. Her activism remains vital in a country where 1 in 3 women face domestic violence. Kamla’s vision of equality continues to inspire grassroots movements, reminding us of the power of collective action.
3. Babytai Kamble
Born into a Dalit family in Maharashtra, Babytai Kamble chronicled the struggles of Dalit women in her seminal work, The Prisons We Broke. Her writings laid bare the intersectionality of caste and gender oppression, amplifying marginalized voices in India’s social justice narrative. Babytai’s unwavering advocacy for Dalit women’s rights serves as a powerful reminder of the need to address systemic inequalities. Her work highlights the importance of acknowledging lived experiences to create meaningful change.
4. Flavia Agnes
As a lawyer and founder of Majlis Law, Flavia Agnes has been a formidable advocate for women’s rights, especially for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Her organisation has provided legal aid to over 80,000 women, bridging the gap between justice and marginalised communities. Flavia’s work underscores the critical role of legal frameworks in dismantling gender-based violence. Despite significant progress, India’s conviction rates for sexual crimes remain low, emphasising the continued need for activists like her.
5. Nandita Das
An acclaimed actor and director, Nandita Das, has used her platform to challenge societal norms and advocate for gender equality. Her short film Listen to Her shed light on the surge in domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, while her campaign “Dark Is Beautiful” tackled colorism in India. By merging art with activism, Nandita has created compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Her work underscores the potential of creative media in advancing social change.
6. Nangeli
We would do injustice to our history if we don’t speak about Nangeli while talking about gender equality. Though considered only a folklore of 19th century Kerala, the story of Nangeli’s defiance against the oppressive “breast tax” by chopping off her breasts remains a potent symbol of resistance against systemic oppression. Belonging to the Ezhava community, she sacrificed her life to protest caste and gender-based exploitation. Nangeli’s act of self-mutilation and her death sparked outrage, leading to the abolition of the tax in Travancore.
7. Dr. Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju
Talking about gender equality shouldn’t just be limited to the strict binary idea of gender. A trailblazer in India’s LGBTQ+ advocacy, Dr. Trinetra Haldar works for inclusivity and acceptance. She is one of India’s first transgender people to digitally document her medico-socio-legal transition from male to female. She founded Advocacy Unlimited, a platform for queer individuals to share their stories and access resources. Named in Forbes India’s 30 Under 30 in 2022, Dr. Trinetra’s efforts emphasised the importance of expanding feminist discourse to include all marginalised voices.
8. Shreegauri Sawant
A prominent transgender activist, Shreegauri Sawant has played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of the transgender community. Her work focuses on addressing societal stigma and legal inequalities faced by transgender individuals. As a petitioner in the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) case, she contributed to the Supreme Court’s landmark 2014 judgment recognising transgender people as a third gender. Her activism aligns with the ongoing fight for the implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
9. Tarabai Shinde
A contemporary of Savitribai Phule, Tarabai Shinde authored Stri Purush Tulana in 1882, a scathing critique of patriarchy and the caste system. Her work is considered the first modern feminist text in India, challenging societal norms that oppressed women. Tarabai’s writings remain relevant in today’s struggles against gender-based discrimination, offering historical context to contemporary feminist movements.
10. Harish Sadani
Harish Sadani started MAVA (Men Against Violence and Abuse) back in 1993, making it one of India’s first organisations focused on preventing violence against women. Through his work, he’s been empowering men to stand up against abuse and support women and girls. Sadani’s mission is to bring men together to challenge gender bias and support women’s rights. He encourages men to let go of outdated ideas of superiority and stop objectifying women, while also tackling the social conditioning that often creates a divide between men and women.
Smile’s Work for Gender Equity
Smile Foundation’s Swabhiman programme is a flagship initiative dedicated to empowering women and adolescent girls in India. The programme focuses on sensitising participants to gender issues, providing life skills education and promoting health-seeking behaviour. By addressing these critical areas, Swabhiman aims to create an environment where women can lead healthy, informed and self-reliant lives.
In addition to Swabhiman, Smile Foundation conducts Entrepreneurship Development projects for women, equipping them with the necessary skills to start and manage small businesses. These workshops are designed to foster economic independence and self-sufficiency among women, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader economy.
Through these comprehensive initiatives, Smile Foundation addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by women in India, promoting gender equality and empowering women to build better futures for themselves and their families.
India’s journey toward gender equality owes much to the contributions of these individuals who challenged the status quo and shaped the nation’s fight for justice and inclusivity. While significant progress has been made, the Global Gender Gap Report where India ranked 127th out of 146 countries, reminds us of the work still required. Drawing inspiration from these pioneers, India must continue to dismantle systemic barriers with a vision of an equitable future where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive.
