International Women's Day: 7 women activists who transformed India
India's journey towards progress and equality has been significantly shaped by the relentless efforts of numerous activists, among whom women have played a pivotal role. From fighting for gender equality to advocating for social justice and environmental conservation, here are seven remarkable women activists whose dedication and perseverance have fearlessly challenged the status quo and inspired change across the nation.
Aruna Roy
Aruna Roy, a distinguished social activist, played a pivotal role in India's Right to Information movement. The former civil servant turned activist, she co-founded the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan in 1990, championing grassroots empowerment. Her relentless efforts for transparency culminated in the RTI Act of 2005, transforming governance by granting citizens unprecedented access to information from public entities, thereby fostering accountability and democratic participation.
Medha Patkar
Medha Patkar is renowned for her fierce activism in defense of the rights of marginalized communities, particularly those affected by large-scale development projects. As the founder of the Narmada Bachao Andolan, she spearheaded a decades-long campaign against the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River, advocating for the rights of displaced villagers and environmental conservation.
Irom Sharmila
Irom Sharmila, the "Iron Lady of Manipur," gained global acclaim for her 16-year hunger strike demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur and other strife-prone regions. Starting in 2000 in response to civilian deaths by the Indian military, her protest symbolized Manipur's resilience against state oppression. Ending her fast in 2016, Sharmila fervently advocates for peace and justice.
Vandana Shiva
Vandana Shiva is a leading environmental activist renowned for her advocacy of sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Through Navdanya, her organization, she opposes corporate dominance in seed and farming resources, advocating for traditional methods and indigenous wisdom. Shiva's work promotes ecological balance and food sovereignty, earning her global acclaim and inspiring millions to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles and challenge industrial agriculture's harmful impacts.
Kamla Bhasin
Kamla Bhasin, a versatile figure encompassing roles as a social scientist, author, poet, and activist, has dedicated her career to various issues such as gender equality, education, poverty alleviation, and human rights across South Asia since the 1970s. She is an integral member of SANGAT, a South Asian Feminist network, and actively contributes to JAGORI, a women's resource and training center.
Vrinda Grover
Named among TIME magazine's 100 most influential women in 2013, Vrinda Grover is a prominent lawyer and human rights activist renowned for handling high-profile cases. Notable among these are the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, 1987 Hashimpura police killings, 2004 Ishrat Jahan cases, and the 2008 anti-Christian riots in Kandhamal. She's also championed cases of domestic violence and those involving minority communities.
Viji Pankoottu
Viji Pankoottu's significant involvement in the "Right to Sit" campaign in Kozhikode, Kerala, garnered international recognition when she was honored as one of three Indians on the prestigious BBC 100 Women list. In certain areas of Kerala women employed in shops and malls faced violations of their basic human rights, including the right to sit or access toilets during working hours.