We live in a country where women face challenges and inequality on a daily basis. This Women’s Day 2020, we bring you 10 women who have inspired millions of others to stand for themselves and make a difference.
Women’s Day is a day celebrating the achievements of women across all dimensions – social, economic, cultural and political. This year we bring you the stories of 10 women who have inspired us with their achievements.
1. Asha Devi
There is no bigger pain than that of losing a child. But with a 7-year long fight to get her daughter Nirbhaya justice, Asha Devi has proven what strong women are made of. Being barely literate, this mom may have belonged to a small village in Uttar Pradesh. But, she decided to leave no stone unturned in the fight for justice. (Read the full story here)
2. Neena Gupta
Actress Neena Gupta is an inspiration for every liberal woman in this world. She is known for making bold choices, not only in professional but in personal life as well. While media celebrates her as a strong woman, Neena shared how deep inside she has been vulnerable like many of us. In a recent interview, she spoke about how one of her partners tortured and abused her, and how she overcame the trauma. (Read the full story here)
3. Sudha Murthy
Sudha Murthy represents today’s Indian woman, who believes in being a down-to-earth yet ambitious soul. Over the years, she has played the multiple roles of an engineer, author, philanthropist, homemaker and many more. But not many know that in the 1960s, Sudha Murthy became the first female from her college to join a male-dominated engineering company. (Read the full story here)
4. Shafali Verma
Shafali Verma, the youngest T20 international debutant for the Indian women’s cricket team, became an inspiration to many young people. In order to practice the sport she loved, Shafali used to disguise as a boy to get training as no academy would admit girls at the time. (Read the full story here)
5. Sonali Bendre
Sonali Bendre went through the most difficult times last year. She was diagnosed with cancer, but the way she fought against is an inspiration for many. At one of the events, she spoke about how the deadly disease made her fearless as she felt there was no tomorrow. (Read the full story here)
6. Laxmi Aggarwal
Her words are powerful enough to signify Laxmi’s courage and strength.
‘He threw acid on my face, not on my dreams.’
Born in New Delhi, Laxmi is very fond of music and dance. Her earliest dream was to become a singer so she joined a music school near her home. But one incident changed it all. Acid-attack survivor Laxmi Aggarwal’s life story is full of inspiration and determination. (Read the full story here)
7. Rocket Women of India – M Vanitha and Ritu Karidhal
Chandrayaan-2 was India’s first interplanetary mission led by two great women scientists — Project Director M Vanitha and Mission Director Ritu Karidhal. The inspiring stories of these two ROCKET WOMEN will make you believe in the power of dreams and to relentlessly work towards achieving them. (Read the full story here)
8. Mary Kom
Society doesn’t like an ambitious woman! And, no one can understand the challenges of an ambitious woman better than Mary Kom herself. She is a hard-shelled fighter, the epitome of grit, passion & self-respect. Mary overcame her life challenges to build a name for herself in Boxing and win medals for the country (Read the full story here)
9. Sushma Swaraj
Indian politician and lawyer Sushma Swaraj inspired many of us through her incredible discipline, exemplary determination, and empathetic heart. She was not only an iron lady in her professional life but in personal life too. So much so, that her father-in-law wanted Sushmaji to light his pyre, instead of his own son. (Read the full story here)
10. Anita Dongre
Not only her beautifully designed clothes but Anita Dongre’s powerful story of building her fashion empire is equally inspiring. (Read the full story here)
At IFORHER, we believe that strong women build a strong society. We need to stand together and make this world a better place.
Happy Women’s Day 2020!