“There is no force equal to a women determined to rise” - W.E.B Dubois
It is often challenging to make a significant difference on a large scale. These women in government have substantially impacted India's government, politics, administration, economy, society, and a variety of other fields. Their names will go down in history, and they deserve all the praise.
All through history, women leaders have been praised by many but questioned by many more. However, prejudice was unable to suppress all of them. Over and over and over again, history has witnessed the magnanimity of women in power. From Kamala Harris to Queen Elizabeth, women frequently held the governmental scepter in their hands when essential.
These strong Indian women have been engaged in their fair share of controversies, although primarily falling prey to misogynist mindsets. Fighting against all the odds, these women have managed to succeed and make a big difference globally.
The era of women's participation in the government sector in India did not begin until much later. Take a look at the contributions of some outstanding female government officials:
Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi is the first person that comes to mind when we think about women in the Indian government and leadership. Indira Gandhi, India's first female Prime Minister, epitomized the term "boss woman." She was a formidable politician who served as India's Prime Minister for over two decades. She was a strong-willed lady who defied patriarchy and demonstrated to the world how a woman could govern a country. She knew how to gain public support after all of the criticism she had been subjected to, and even after a period of being out of power.
She was a strong-willed lady who always stood up for what she believed in, whether it was declaring a national emergency or supporting what was then East Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh, in its war against Pakistan. She had a knack for words and backed her father's plans on economic growth. She undoubtedly set the path for India's development as a country and as a democracy. She was a force to be reckoned with.
Kiran Bedi
Kiran Bedi is regarded as an inspiration by many, and rightfully so. Kiran Bedi is India's first female IPS officer and also a politician, social worker, former police officer, tennis player, and the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Many wonder if there is indeed anything she can't do? She is such a strong woman who has demonstrated time and time again that women can be and do anything they desire.
Kiran Bedi served in the military for 35 years before retiring on her own terms in 2007. Kiran Bedi is living proof that dedication pays off in life. She received a United Nations medal for her commitment, persistence, and hard work. She is a true inspiration who has pioneered the path for women in India to become IPS officers and has contributed to shattering stereotypes against women.
Sushma Swaraj
Sushma Swaraj is recognized for her work ethic and applauded for being hardworking, result-oriented, and humanistic. Her expertise, paired with a feeling of social responsibility, has gained her many well-wishers. Sushma Swaraj was an Indian politician and Supreme court lawyer. She served as the Finance Minister of India from 2014-2019.
Sushma Swaraj urged the Indian diaspora to invest in drives such as Make in India and Swachch Bharat to help the country develop. She focused on infrastructure and infrastructure funding. Swaraj also urged the community to honor the country's rich cultural history, highlighting Indians' contributions. Swaraj brought vitality to the economy and was a significant factor for the country's strong central government.
Vasundhara Raje
Vasundhara Raje is an Indian politician and former CM of Rajasthan. She is a woman of strength and is quite opinionated. Her tenure as Chief Minister (2003–08) was distinguished by a significant focus on upgrading the state's infrastructure (particularly by building additional highways, canals, and power plants) as well as numerous social programs (such as expanding educational possibilities for the state's youth).
In honor of her contributions to women's empowerment in the state, self-help groups and the facilitation of the formation of women's organizations were promoted. In 2007, The United Nations honored her with the Women Together Award.
Mayawati Das
Mayawati Das was born into a Dalit household in 1956 and had little political leverage in her family. In fact, she was considering becoming a teacher or joining the police service. Mayawati was seen as a representative of the SC/ST and the religious minorities.
She made history when she became the first Dalit chief minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1995. Shri. P.V. Narasimha Rao correctly describes Mayawati as a "Miracle of Democracy." She stood socially doomed three times: because she is impoverished, a Dalit, and a woman. But that didn't stop her from pushing on and reaching new heights in life.
Pratibha Patil
Pratibha Patil is an Indian politician who also served as the country's President. Pratibha Patil has had a long and distinguished political career, beginning as a lawyer and swiftly ascending through the ranks. She has shown her skills in every post she had over her 28-year political career, from the deputy minister of education to minister of social welfare to minister of tourism and housing. She has the record of having never lost an election that she has run in.
Patil has worked tirelessly for the welfare of women and children and the impoverished sectors of society throughout her public life. She created several institutions for their benefit. Patil has represented India in several international events and held our heads high.
Women are no longer just restricted to the household and have broken free from the chains of patriarchy. These accomplished women are a living reminder of why women's empowerment and representation are essential in the government and all areas, be it science, literature, medicine, or law. These women have made a difference, and their names shall be forever written with gold in the nation's history.
