Women’s Day 2025: How Female Leaders are Shaping the Future of Education

International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, celebrated on March 8, highlights women’s achievements and the push for gender equality. 

This year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” focuses on advancing women’s rights, including their role in shaping education. 

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Over time, women have broken barriers in education, once a male-dominated field, and are now leading transformative changes worldwide.

Several female leaders are making a significant impact in education. One of them is Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist and Nobel laureate, who champions girls’ education through the Malala Fund.

One of the pioneers in this field was Mary McLeod Bethune, an American educator who fought for African American women’s education. These leaders prove that women are shaping the future of learning, making education more inclusive and accessible for all.

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International Women’s Day 2025: The Evolution of Women’s Education in India

The journey of women’s education in India from the early 1900s to the present day reflects a transformative narrative of social reform, policy evolution, and visionary leadership. 

Over the past century, systemic barriers rooted in patriarchal norms and colonial legacies have been gradually dismantled through legislative action, grassroots movements, and the relentless efforts of pioneering female leaders. 

The British colonial era saw the first institutional reforms, including the abolition of sati in 1829 and infanticide in 1870, which laid the groundwork for gender equity.

Post-independence India witnessed constitutional guarantees for educational equality, followed by targeted policies like the National Policy on Education (1968) and the landmark Right to Education Act (2009), which prioritized girls’ enrollment and retention.

1. Historical Foundations of Women’s Education (1900–1947)

Colonial Reforms and Social Awakening: The early 20th century marked a pivotal shift as British administrators and Indian reformers collaborated to challenge regressive practices. 

The Indian Penal Code of 1861 criminalised sati and child marriage, while Lord Dalhousie’s grant-in-aid system (1848–1856) indirectly supported girls’ schools by funding private institutions. 

Christian missionaries, particularly women educators, played a dual role: establishing Zenana schools for elite households while inadvertently showcasing Western models of gender equality. 

However, these efforts were selective, avoiding confrontations with conservative Hindu and Muslim leaders.

Nationalist Movements and Educational Advocacy: The intersection of education and nationalism became evident through organisations like the Stri Bharat Mahamandal (1901), founded by Sarla Devi Chowdharani, which linked women’s literacy to anti-colonial resistance. 

The All India Women’s Conference (1927) emerged as a policy influencer, advocating against child marriage and promoting vocational training. 

Annie Besant, the first female president of the Indian National Congress (1917), institutionalised this synergy by founding girls’ schools in Varanasi and Madras, blending Theosophical principles with practical education.

2. Post-Independence Policy Frameworks (1947–2000)

Constitutional Mandates and Five-Year Plans: Article 15(3) of the Indian Constitution (1950) empowered the state to enact affirmative measures for women, while the Kothari Commission (1964–66) declared women’s education a national priority, urging “bold and determined efforts” to bridge gender gaps. 

The Sixth Five-Year Plan (1980–85) introduced gender budgeting, allocating resources for girls’ hostels, women teachers’ recruitment, and science education in girls’ colleges.

The 1975 Watershed and Its Legacy: The UN’s International Women’s Year (1975) coincided with India’s Committee on the Status of Women, chaired by Vina Mazumdar, whose 1975 report exposed systemic disparities. 

This led to the National Plan of Action for Women (1977), integrating gender equity into teacher training and curriculum design.

3. Legislative Milestones and Contemporary Initiatives

• Right to Education Act (2009): Mandated free education for girls aged 6–14, reducing dropout rates by 12% in rural areas.

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (2015): Linked financial incentives to girls’ school attendance, increasing enrollment by 18% in Haryana and Punjab.

• Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (2018): Allocated ₹2,500 crore for gender-sensitive infrastructure, including sanitary facilities and transportation.

4. Digital Age Reforms

The National Education Policy (2020) introduced coding and STEM scholarships for girls, while platforms like SWAYAM expanded access to online courses in regional languages.

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Trailblazing Female Leaders in Indian Education

1. Annie Besant (1847–1933)

A Theosophist and political leader, Besant founded the Home Rule League (1916) and established girls’ schools in Varanasi and Madras, emphasising secular curricula and civic engagement. As Congress president (1917), she advocated for women’s suffrage and teacher training programs, influencing generations of educators.

2. Sarla Devi Chowdharani (1872–1945)

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Founder of the Stri Bharat Mahamandal (1901), Chowdharani mobilised women through nationalist journals like Bharati, blending literary education with political activism. Her schools in Punjab integrated martial arts and spinning, fostering self-reliance during the Swadeshi Movement.

3. Durgabai Deshmukh (1909–1981)

A constitutional assembly member, Deshmukh co-founded the Andhra Mahila Sabha (1937), which established 15 schools and vocational centres for marginalised girls. Her advocacy shaped the Central Social Welfare Board (1953), institutionalising adult literacy programs.

4. Hansa Mehta (1897–1995)

As India’s delegate to the UN Commission on Human Rights, Mehta ensured gender-inclusive language in the Universal Declaration (1948). She overhauled the Baroda University curriculum, introducing women’s studies and scholarships for Dalit girls.

5. Vina Mazumdar (1927–2013)

Architect of the Committee on the Status of Women in India (1975), Mazumdar’s research exposed systemic biases in enrollment data. She co-founded the Centre for Women’s Development Studies (1980), pioneering gender audits in teacher training colleges.

6. Anju Sharma (IAS)

As Gujarat’s Principal Secretary for Higher Education, Sharma launched SWADESH (2020), a digital platform connecting rural girls to STEM mentors. Her reforms increased female technical enrollment by 22% in three years.

7. Dr. Neetu Bhagat

Deputy Director at AICTE, Bhagat designed the TechSaksham initiative (2019), providing AI certification to 50,000 female engineering students. Her advocacy for flexible work hours has retained 35% more women in academic leadership roles.

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International Women’s Day 2025: Top 7 Global Female Leaders Transforming Education

On International Women’s Day 2025, we celebrate the transformative impact of global female leaders in education. These trailblazers have not only championed girls’ education but have also reshaped educational systems worldwide. 

Here are 7 renowned leaders whose contributions have been pivotal in advancing educational equity and access.

1. Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is a Nobel laureate and a global icon for girls’ education. Her courageous advocacy against Taliban oppression in Pakistan has inspired millions. Malala founded the Malala Fund, which works to ensure that every girl can access quality education. 

Her efforts have led to significant policy changes and increased awareness about the importance of girls’ education globally. 

Malala’s recent visit to her hometown in Pakistan underscored her commitment to education, as she encouraged students at the school she founded to prioritise their studies for a better future.

2. Julia Gillard

Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia, is a leading advocate for global education. As Chair of the Board of the Global Partnership for Education, she has spearheaded initiatives to strengthen education systems worldwide, particularly for girls. 

Gillard’s leadership has been instrumental in securing significant funding for education, ensuring that more girls can access quality schooling. Her focus on data-driven policies has improved educational outcomes in numerous countries.

3. Michelle Bachelet

Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has been a champion of quality education. During her presidency, she implemented comprehensive education reforms, increasing public investment in education. 

Bachelet has emphasised the transformative power of education in achieving sustainable development and human rights. Her work at UN Women has supported innovative programs promoting gender equality in education.

4. Hillary Rodham Clinton

Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State, launched the Collaborative for Harnessing Ambition and Resources for Girls Education (Girls CHARGE), a $600 million initiative aimed at enrolling 14 million girls in secondary schools globally. 

Clinton’s efforts have highlighted the critical role of education in breaking cycles of poverty and empowering women. Her work has also included establishing the State Department’s Office of Global Women’s Issues, which focuses on increasing access to education for out-of-school girls.

5. Erna Solberg

Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway, has been a strong advocate for girls’ education. She has led Norway’s support for UN initiatives that enhance access to quality education for girls in countries like Malawi. 

Solberg’s commitment to education has included funding for school meals, health services, and teacher training, demonstrating how comprehensive support can improve educational outcomes for girls.

6. Ann Cotton

Ann Cotton is the founder of CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education), which has empowered thousands of girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa. 

CAMFED’s approach focuses on community-led initiatives, ensuring that girls receive support from their local communities to pursue education. Cotton’s work has been recognised globally, including the WISE Prize for innovation in education.

7. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South Africa and Executive Director of UN Women, has been instrumental in promoting gender equality in education. 

She founded the Umlambo Foundation, which aims to improve learning outcomes in South African schools. Mlambo-Ngcuka’s leadership at UN Women has supported programs that enhance girls’ access to quality education, emphasising the need for collective action to achieve gender parity.

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International Women’s Day 2025: Top 7 Indian Women Driving Change in Education

International Women’s Day 2025 celebrates the contributions of Indian women who have transformed the educational landscape. These leaders have not only challenged societal norms but have also shaped policies and institutions to empower women through education.

1. Savitribai Phule: The First Female Teacher

Savitribai Phule is celebrated as India’s first female teacher, who, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, established the first school for girls in India in 1848. 

Born in 1831, she defied societal norms by advocating for women’s education and social reform. Her pioneering work laid the groundwork for future generations of educators and reformers, making her a symbol of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

2. Durgabai Deshmukh: Champion of Social Welfare and Education

Durgabai Deshmukh, born in 1909, was a tireless advocate for women’s rights and education. She founded the Andhra Mahila Sabha in 1937, which became a significant institution for women’s empowerment through education and healthcare. 

As a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, she played a crucial role in framing laws that promoted social welfare and education for women. Her legacy includes the establishment of the Central Social Welfare Board and the National Council on Women’s Education.

3. Chandraprabha Saikiani: Breaking Barriers in Assam

Chandraprabha Saikiani, born in 1901, was a social activist from Assam who fought for women’s education in her region. 

She began teaching girls under a makeshift shed at the age of 13 and later founded the Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti in 1926. 

Her efforts were instrumental in promoting women’s education and social welfare in Assam, inspiring future generations to pursue formal education despite societal barriers.

4. Asima Chatterjee: Pioneering Women in Science Education

Asima Chatterjee, born in 1917, was the first Indian woman to receive a Doctorate of Science. She was a chemist and educator who made significant contributions to organic chemistry. 

Her work paved the way for future generations of women in science, challenging gender stereotypes and inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEM fields.

5. Indira Gandhi: Leadership and Vision for Women’s Rights

Indira Gandhi, India’s first female Prime Minister, was a strong advocate for women’s rights and education. 

Born in 1917, she led the country with a vision that emphasised the empowerment of women through education. Her leadership and policies played a crucial role in shaping India’s approach to gender equality and education.

6. Shukla Bose: Transforming Education through Parikrma

Shukla Bose is the founder and CEO of the Parikrma Humanity Foundation, which provides high-quality education to underprivileged children in Bengaluru. 

With over 15 years of experience in education advocacy, she has influenced national education policies and is a member of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission. 

Her work has transformed the lives of thousands of children, demonstrating the power of education in breaking socio-economic barriers.

7. Anju Sharma: Empowering Women in STEM Education

Anju Sharma, an IAS officer, serves as the Principal Secretary for Higher and Technical Education in Gujarat. 

She has launched initiatives like SWADESH, which connects rural girls with STEM mentors, significantly increasing female enrollment in technical fields. Her reforms have empowered women to pursue careers in science and technology, contributing to India’s innovation landscape.

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International Women’s Day 2025: Lesser-known Women Who Have Made Significant Contributions To Education In India

Here are some lesser-known Indian women who have made significant contributions to education:

1. Pandita Brahmacharini Chandabai

Chandabai was a Jain scholar and one of the pioneers of women’s education in India. Born in 1880, she studied classical subjects like Prakrit, Sanskrit, and nyāya. She founded the oldest women’s publication, Jain Mahiladarsh, which continues to publish in India. Her contributions to women’s education and literature are highly valued.

2. Ramabai Ranade

Ramabai Ranade was born in 1863 and married educator M.G. Ranade at the age of 11. She became an active member of the Prarthana Samaj and organised educational programs for women and the poor. She fought against child marriage and established Seva Sadan to support distressed women.

3. Uma Pathak

Uma Pathak founded the SPS Foundation in 2018 to educate underprivileged children, particularly girls, in rural India. Her work focuses on creating safe learning environments and challenging societal norms that discourage girls from pursuing education.

4. Geeta Dharmrajan

Geeta Dharmrajan is a teacher and social worker who founded the Katha School in 1989. She emphasises holistic education and has published numerous children’s books. Her initiative has grown to support over 45,000 students, bridging educational gaps in slum communities.

5. Begum Zafar Ali

Begum Zafar Ali was the first woman to enroll in school in Kashmir. She became an inspector of schools and worked tirelessly as an educationist and women’s liberation activist. Her story inspires women in Kashmir to pursue education despite societal challenges.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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