Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Impact: Shaping India's Story

As India celebrated its 79th independence day, reflections turned to the countless women who have profoundly shaped the nation’s trajectory, often exceeding the impact of their formal political representation.

From Boycotts to Protests: A History of Resistance

During India’s struggle for freedom from British rule, women played pivotal roles, organizing boycotts of British goods, producing contraband salt, and confronting police in direct action – historically male-dominated activities.

The Chipko Movement and Shaheen Bagh: Environmental and Social Activism

The 1970s Chipko movement, where women physically protected trees from deforestation, sparked a national conversation about environmental protection and development. More recently, grandmothers in Shaheen Bagh bravely protested discriminatory citizenship laws, providing a crucial space for dissent.

Breaking Barriers in Public Life

Today, women’s access to public life has expanded, aided by social media, allowing individuals without traditional political connections to gain visibility. However, significant challenges remain, particularly in electoral politics. A 2025 analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms revealed that nearly half of female parliamentarians and state legislators come from political families, compared to 18% of men.

Motivations for Activism

Neha Bora, president of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), exemplifies this trend. A PhD student in theatre and performance studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Bora fasted for 23 days to demand accountability over exam paper leaks and the resignation of the Education Minister during the Cockroach Protests. She explained her entry into politics as a necessity to find her voice and influence decisions impacting her life and community, stating, ‘Politics is not just slogans and protests; it’s the language you use to understand and shape the world around you.’