International Women's Day 2025: International Women's Day 2025 celebrates the amazing achievements of women around the world. In India, women like Savitribai Phule, who became the country¡¯s first female teacher in 1848, worked hard to promote education for girls. Asima Chatterjee, a famous chemist, was the first Indian woman to earn a Doctorate of Science from an Indian university.
Indira Gandhi, India¡¯s first female prime minister, and Kiran Bedi, the first female IPS officer, also broke barriers and proved that women can succeed in every field.
This year¡¯s theme, "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment" and "Accelerate Action," reminds us to support and uplift women and girls everywhere.
12 Inspiring Women Leaders in Education
Below are 12 inspiring women leaders in education, including their titles, work & contributions:
1. Savitribai Phule
- Title: First Female Teacher in India
- Work: Established the first school for girls in India.
- Contribution: Initiate women's education and social reform
- Appreciation: Recognised for her bravery against societal norms
- Dates: Born in 1831, died in 1897
- Awards: Her legacy is celebrated annually on her birthday.
2. Asima Chatterjee
- Title: First Indian Woman to Receive a Doctorate of Science
- Work: Chemist and Educator
- Contribution: Contributed majorly to the field of organic chemistry.
- Appreciation: Paved the way for future generations of women in science.
- Dates: Born in 1917, died in 2006
- Awards: Padma Bhushan (1975)
3. Indira Gandhi
- Title: First Female Prime Minister of India
- Work: Politician and Leader
- Contribution: Advocated for women's rights and education
- Appreciation: Known for her strong leadership and vision
- Dates: Born in 1917, died in 1984
- Awards: Bharat Ratna (1971)
3. Kiran Bedi
- Title: First Female IPS Officer
- Work: Police Officer and Social Activist
- Contribution: Advocated for women's empowerment and education.
- Appreciation: Recognised for her initiating role in law enforcement
- Dates: Born in 1949
- Awards: Ramon Magsaysay Award (1994)
4. Fatima Begum Sheikh
- Title: First Female Muslim Teacher in India
- Work: Educator
- Contribution: Worked alongside Savitribai Phule for women's education.
- Appreciation: Contributed to breaking barriers for Muslim women
5. Rukhmabai
- Title: First Indian Woman to Practice Medicine in India
- Work: Doctor and Social Reformer
- Contribution: Advocated for women's rights and education
- Appreciation: Known for her pioneering work in medicine
- Dates: Born in 1864, died in 1955
6. Anandi Gopal Joshi
- Title: First Indian Woman to Study Medicine Abroad
- Work: Doctor and Educator
- Contribution: Paved the way for women in medicine
- Appreciation: Recognised for her courage and determination
- Dates: Born in 1865, died in 1887
7. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
- Title: Social Reformer and Educator
- Work: Advocate for Women's Rights and Handicrafts
- Contribution: Promoted women's education and cultural preservation
- Appreciation: Known for her contributions to social reform
- Dates: Born in 1903, died in 1988
- Awards: Padma Bhushan (1955), Padma Vibhushan (1987)
8. Sarojini Naidu
- Title: Poet and Politician
- Work: Advocate for Women's Rights and Education
- Contribution: Promoted women's empowerment through literature and politics
- Appreciation: Recognised as a leading figure in the Indian independence movement
- Dates: Born in 1879, died in 1949
9. Mridula Sinha
- Title: Writer and Educator
- Work: Advocate for Women's Education
- Contribution: Contributed to literature and education
- Appreciation: Known for her literary works and educational advocacy
- Dates: Born in 1942, died in 2020
- Awards: Padma Shri (2020, posthumous)
10. Sister Nivedita
- Title: Educator and Social Worker
- Work: Established a girls' school in Kolkata
- Contribution: Promoted women's education and social reform
- Appreciation: Recognised for her dedication to Indian culture and education
- Dates: Born in 1867, died in 1911
11. Madam Bhikaiji Cama
- Title: Social Activist and Educator
- Work: Advocate for Women's Rights and Education
- Contribution: Promoted women's empowerment through activism
- Appreciation: Known for her role in the Indian independence movement
- Dates: Born in 1861, died in 1936
Today, leaders like Annapurna Devi work to improve literacy, and Atishi Marlena is transforming education in Delhi. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit became the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
Other inspiring figures include Dr. Uma Bhardwaj, Vice-Chancellor of Noida International University, and Preeti Aghalayam, the first woman director of an IIT campus. Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddi and Mahadevi Verma also played a key role in promoting education for women.
Their contributions continue to inspire and remind us that education is a powerful tool for women¡¯s empowerment and a more inclusive society.
For more news and updates from the world of?OTT, and?celebrities?from?Bollywood?and?Hollywood, keep reading?Indiatimes Entertainment.??