Women who helped draft the Constitution of India

1. Sarojini Naidu

Known as the Nightingale of India, Sarojini Naidu was a freedom fighter, poet, and one of the most prominent women leaders of her time. Though not directly involved in the drafting process, her role in the Constituent Assembly and contributions to women’s rights were immense. As a staunch advocate of gender equality, she consistently fought for women’s empowerment and social justice.

2. Hansa Jivraj Mehta

A social reformer, freedom fighter, and educator, Hansa Mehta was a staunch advocate of women’s rights. She is best known for ensuring that the phrase “all men are created equal” in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was changed to “all human beings are created equal,” reflecting her commitment to gender equality.

In the Constituent Assembly, she spoke passionately about the need for a secular state and worked tirelessly to ensure that women’s issues were given due attention in the Constitution.

3. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was a princess who gave up her royal privileges to join the freedom struggle. She later became India’s first Health Minister. In the Constituent Assembly, she championed public health, education, and women’s rights. Her speeches emphasized the importance of women’s education and healthcare, which she believed were critical for the progress of the nation.

4. Durgabai Deshmukh

Durgabai Deshmukh, a lawyer, social reformer, and freedom fighter, played a significant role in drafting provisions related to social welfare. As a member of the Constituent Assembly, she worked to ensure that the rights of women and marginalized communities were safeguarded. She was instrumental in the establishment of institutions like the Central Social Welfare Board, reflecting her commitment to social justice.

5. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit

Sister of Jawaharlal Nehru and a prominent diplomat, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was the first woman to hold a Cabinet position in pre-independent India. In the Constituent Assembly, she advocated for women’s political participation and equal rights. Her international experience brought a global perspective to the discussions.

6. Annie Mascarene

A freedom fighter from Kerala, Annie Mascarene was one of the first women to be elected to the Lok Sabha. In the Constituent Assembly, she emphasized the need for economic independence and social justice for all citizens, including women. Her speeches reflected her belief in a democratic and inclusive India.

7. Sucheta Kripalani

A freedom fighter and social reformer, Sucheta Kripalani was deeply involved in drafting the Constitution. She later became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, becoming the first woman to hold such a position in India. Her focus in the Assembly was on fundamental rights and the need for social equality.

8. Renuka Ray

Renuka Ray was an ardent advocate for women’s legal rights, particularly in matters of marriage, property, and inheritance. In the Constituent Assembly, she argued for the inclusion of provisions that would protect women from discrimination and ensure their participation in nation-building.

9. Purnima Banerjee

A socialist and freedom fighter, Purnima Banerjee was deeply involved in grassroots movements and worked for the upliftment of the poor and marginalized. In the Assembly, she spoke on issues related to workers’ rights, education, and women’s empowerment.

10. Leela Roy

Leela Roy, a prominent freedom fighter and social reformer from Bengal, was a strong advocate for women’s education and empowerment. Her efforts in the Constituent Assembly highlighted the need for equal opportunities for women in all spheres of life.