- By Priyanka Koul
- Sat, 08 Mar 2025 03:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
International Women's Day 2025: On International Women’s Day 2025, let’s celebrate India’s first female doctor, Supreme Court judge, photojournalist, and pilot who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations.
Women today are excelling in every field, but there was a time when even getting an education was a challenge for them. Despite societal restrictions, some brave women refused to be held back and made their mark in fields like medicine, law, journalism, and aviation professions once considered exclusive to men. On this International Women’s Day, let’s look at the inspiring journeys of India’s first female pioneers.
Anandi Gopal Joshi – India’s First Female Doctor
Anandi Gopal Joshi made history by becoming India’s first female doctor in 1887. Born in Pune, she was married young and became a mother at just 14. Sadly, her child passed away within ten days, which deeply impacted her. Determined to prevent such tragedies for others, she pursued medical education in the United States and became a qualified doctor, inspiring countless women to follow in her footsteps.
Fatima Beevi – First Female Supreme Court Judge
Fatima Beevi was a trailblazer in the Indian judiciary. Born in Kerala in 1927, she pursued law at a time when very few women entered the legal profession. With the encouragement of her father, she built a successful career and, in 1989, became the first woman to be appointed as a judge in the Supreme Court of India. She was widely respected for her legal expertise and paved the way for many women in the legal field. She passed away at the age of 96.
Homai Vyarawalla – India’s First Female Photojournalist
Homai Vyarawalla is known as India’s first female photojournalist. She began her career in Mumbai, capturing powerful images for newspapers. Her camera documented some of the most significant moments before and after India’s independence. She played a crucial role in visual storytelling, proving that journalism wasn’t just a man’s domain.
Sarla Thakral – India’s First Female Pilot
Sarla Thakral shattered aviation barriers by becoming India’s first female pilot at just 21 years old. Born in Delhi, she earned her aviation license at a time when women were expected to stay at home. Remarkably, she achieved this milestone while managing the responsibilities of marriage and motherhood. Her journey inspired many women to take up careers in aviation.
These women challenged societal norms and proved that with determination and courage, no dream is too big. Their achievements continue to inspire and encourage young women to pursue their ambitions, no matter the obstacles. As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, let’s honour their legacy and work towards a more equal and inclusive future.