Indian women have broken many barriers to enter different fields ranging from sciences, entertainment, and sports work. On this International Women’s Day, we take a short break to look at the women who have perhaps contributed heavily to Indian politics. It is in a male-charged landscape that these women have emerged as powerful leaders to show that governance and leadership have a gender beyond the depiction of male.

Current Women Leaders of Indian Politics

Mamata Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal and head of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), is internationally known for working with the people at the grassroots level to break the years-long domination of the Left Front in Bengal. Her altruism towards the betterment of the poor and marginalized definitely constitutes a very strong leader-as-activist position.

Sonia Gandhi

An iconic figure of Congress, Sonia Gandhi has been synonymous with Indian politics. Inherently an outsider—first the wife of Rajiv Gandhi and then an Indian citizen—she ruled Congress Party and later formed the UPA government from 2004 to 2014. She was put off by the unpalatable political environment around her and kept her head down. Because of this, she became an iconic figure who will remain in the memory of the country.

Nirmala Sitharaman

Nirmala Sitharaman has already made history as the first full-time woman finance minister in India. Before her tenure at the finance department, she also acted as defense Minister, being the second lady of India to be in charge of that department after Indira Gandhi. As a finance minister, she has framed and presented eight budgets, extremely molding the economic policies of India.

Smriti Irani

From a television soap opera star, Smriti Irani became one of the more visible faces of the BJP in politics. She held several ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Education, Minister of Textiles, Minister of Women and Child Development, and Minister of Minority Affairs. From show biz to governance remains an inspirational journey to many.

Rekha Gupta

The recently elected chief minister of Delhi Rekha Gupta is the only woman CM of BJP in the capital so far, that too after Sushma Swaraj. Rekha commenced her political career in 1992 from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and has held various prominent positions in the BJP; her exemplary leadership and governance were quite visible.

Groundbreaking Women Leaders of History

Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi will always remain the first and only female Prime Minister of the country and will perhaps be remembered for milestones during her political career—such as the war of 1971 that resulted in the birth of Bangladesh. Her ruthless and aggressive style of leadership was one of the most debated subjects of Indian history.

Jayalalithaa

J. Jayalalithaa, who the people lovingly called Amma, was the first woman Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. She was the leader of the AIADMK party that was widely respected in Tamil Nadu for her welfare schemes as well as for her sharp political acumen.

Sheila Dikshit

Sheila Dikshit is the longest-serving Chief Minister of Delhi (1998-2013), during which she transformed the city. She will be remembered for her innumerable efforts towards the improvement of infrastructure, healthcare, and education in Delhi.

Maharani Gayatri Devi

Maharani Gayatri Devi, the last queen of Jaipur, was more than a royal; she was a political leader shaping Indian democracy. Winning the 1962 Lok Sabha elections with an unprecedented majority, she was hailed for her commitment to social causes.

Sushma Swaraj

A senior leader of the BJP, Sushma Swaraj held her ground due to her articulate speech and commanding leadership presence. As the second female minister of external affairs of India, she made a great impact with a special style of humanitarian and proactive diplomacy.

In Honor of Women’s Political Leadership

These women have changed the status quo of leadership and governance, serving as motivation for many others to join politics. They share a common story of resilience, determination, and a heart for service. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us continue empowering women along all walks of life.

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