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(Pre 1900s) Begum Rokeya
Begum Rokeya Years active: 1900–1932 Leadership role:
Social Reformer, Educationist, Writer. Achievements:
Founded Sakhawat Memorial Girls’ School (1911) to educate Muslim girls.
Wrote Sultana’s Dream (1905), envisioning a feminist utopia led by women.
Promoted women’s literacy and financial independence. Impact:
One of South Asia’s earliest feminists, advocating for gender equality. Broke societal barriers – Challenged the idea that women should remain confined at home. -
(1900-1950) Aruna Asaf Ali
Aruna Asaf Ali Years active: 1930-1960 Leadership Role: Freedom Fighter, Politician. Achievements:
Hoisted the Indian flag during the Quit India Movement (1942).
Fought for prisoners’ rights and women’s welfare. Impact:
Symbolized fearless resistance against British rule. -
(1950-2000) Kiran Bedi
Kiran Bedi Years active: 1972-Present Leadership role: India’s First Female IPS Officer, Social Reformer. Achievements: India’s first female IPS officer (1972). Reformed Tihar Jail, introducing education and skill training for prisoners. Impact: Opened law enforcement for Indian women. Set a precedent for prison and police reforms. -
(2000-Present) Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai Years active: 2012-Present Leadership role: Education Activist, Nobel Laureate. Achievements: Survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban for advocating girls’ education. Won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, becoming the youngest Nobel laureate. Co-founded Malala Fund, which promotes education for girls worldwide. Impact: Inspired millions of young girls to pursue education.
Became a global voice for human rights and education.