Top 10 inspiring stories of women and men advocating for gender equality

08/09/25

Blog

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Leaders Redefining Gender Roles

In every corner of the world, and certainly across India, stories of resilience, courage, and change continue to inspire generations. Gender equality is not a distant dream—it is a reality being built, one determined voice at a time. From grassroots changemakers to national leaders who fought for equality in India, both women and men have taken bold steps to challenge stereotypes, rewrite narratives, and stand tall for what’s right.

As a child protection NGO that works closely with communities, we at Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children India) have had the honour of witnessing and supporting such journeys. These stories are not just about the individuals—they are reflections of a society moving towards fairness, inclusivity, and opportunity for all.

1. Savitribai Phule – The Torchbearer of Girls’ Education

A true pioneer of women’s empowerment in India, Savitribai Phule opened the first girls’ school in Pune in 1848. In an era when educating girls was unthinkable, she was one of the leaders who fought for equality in India and stood strong against societal pressure. Today, her legacy continues to influence countless education initiatives, including our own work with girls in marginalised communities.

2. Dr B.R. Ambedkar – Architect of Legal Rights for Women

While best known for drafting the Constitution of India, Dr Ambedkar was also a firm advocate of women’s rights. He was one of the leaders who fought for women’s rights in India and helped build reforms in the Hindu Code Bill to ensure property and marital rights for women, an early victory in the female rights movement. His vision laid the groundwork for the legal rights of women that we uphold and advocate for today.

3. Kiran Bedi – First Female IPS Officer

Kiran Bedi broke the mould by becoming India’s first woman to join the Indian Police Service. Her dedication to justice and reform has inspired countless young girls to aim high, reminding us that when doors are opened, women can thrive in any field.

4. Menstruation Activist Arunachalam Muruganantham

An unsung hero and one of the strongest advocates of gender equality in India, Muruganantham revolutionised menstrual hygiene by developing low-cost sanitary pads. His work broke taboos and empowered women with knowledge, dignity, and better health outcomes.

5. Justice Leila Seth – Breaking Barriers in Law

As the first woman to become Chief Justice of a High Court in India, Justice Leila Seth championed women’s and children’s rights. Her insights contributed to the Justice Verma Committee report post the 2012 Nirbhaya case, pushing for stronger laws to protect women and children.

Read Also: Read About Padma Awardees Top 10 Social Workers in India

6. Laxmi Agarwal – Advocate for Acid Attack Survivors

Laxmi’s journey from a survivor of acid violence to a fearless campaigner has changed the discourse around gender-based violence in India. Her activism helped in regulating the sale of acid and offering better rehabilitation for survivors.

7. Bhanwari Devi – Catalyst for Legal Reform

A grassroots worker in Rajasthan, Bhanwari Devi’s story sparked the Vishaka Guidelines against sexual harassment at the workplace. Her courage led to significant progress in the legal rights of women and protections at work.

8. Sonal Kapoor – Founder of Protsahan India Foundation

Sonal’s work through her NGO brings creative education and child protection services to at-risk girls. Her story shows how innovation, empathy, and community-based support can break the cycle of abuse and empower the next generation.

9. MenEngage Alliance – Mobilising Men for Equality

Not all advocates of gender equality are women. The MenEngage Alliance is a global network that works with boys and men to challenge gender norms, support gender justice, and address toxic masculinity—critical steps towards a balanced future.

10. Everyday Heroes in Our Communities

In the villages, towns, and cities where we work, we meet unsung champions daily—teachers who insist on enrolling girls, fathers who stand up for their daughters’ rights, mothers who fight societal norms, and boys who believe in equality. These are the stories that often go unnoticed but shape the future in the most profound ways.

Our Very Own Story of Courage and Change: Priyanka Mondal

In the quiet yet climate-vulnerable village of Pakhirala in Sagar Island, West Bengal, a young woman is leading a powerful movement for change. Priyanka Mondal, a second-year undergraduate student and president of her local Children’s Council, is taking a bold stand against children getting married—an issue that continues to rob countless girls of their dreams, health, and education.

With support from Bal Raksha Bharat, Priyanka has transformed her passion into action. From counselling families to preventing children from getting married in her neighbourhood, she has become a voice of reason, resilience, and hope. Her leadership is inspiring other children and communities to speak out, proving that age is no barrier when the cause is just. Priyanka’s story is not only one of individual courage, but a reflection of what’s possible when young people are empowered to lead.

Our Role at Bal Raksha Bharat

At Bal Raksha Bharat, we are deeply committed to empowering children by giving them the tools to lead. As a child NGO in India, we work at both the grassroots and policy levels to ensure:

• Children’s councils and youth leadership forums are functional and active, encouraging children to speak up and lead change in their communities.
• Families and community leaders are sensitised about the dangers of children getting married and gender-based discrimination through ongoing awareness and engagement.
• Girls are enrolled in school and supported with access to education, menstrual hygiene, healthcare, and skill-building opportunities that help them grow with confidence.
• Community-based protection systems are strengthened to identify and prevent abuse, exploitation, and other child rights violations.
• Healthcare and nutrition interventions ensure that children grow up healthy, nourished, and ready to learn, especially in underserved and remote regions.
• Resilience-building programmes equip children and families to cope with climate change, displacement, and emergencies, especially in disaster-prone zones like the Sundarbans.

We collaborate with government bodies, schools, frontline workers, and community-based groups to create lasting, child-friendly systems. Girls like Priyanka are not only safeguarded from harm—they are empowered to lead, dream, and drive change for a better, more equal India.

Join us in building a future where every girl is safe, educated, and empowered to lead.
Donate Online to Bal Raksha Bharat today—because change begins with you.

FAQs

1. Who fought for women’s rights in India and inspired today’s changemakers?

   Many iconic figures like Savitribai Phule, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and Dr B.R. Ambedkar were pioneers of the female rights movement in India. Their advocacy for education, legal reform, and equal treatment laid the foundation for current gender equality efforts.

2. What role do NGOs play in protecting the rights of girls and children?

   NGOs such as Bal Raksha Bharat serve as a bridge between policy and communities. As a leading child protection NGO, we engage directly with children, families, and local leaders to safeguard their rights and provide education and health services.

3. Why are young people important in advocating for gender equality?

   Young people like Priyanka offer fresh perspectives and are often more open to challenging long-standing norms. Their energy, coupled with support systems and education, makes them effective advocates of gender equality in India.

Naveen Kumar

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