First Women of India
“First Women of India
1. First Woman President of India - Pratibha Patil
Explanation : Pratibha Patil became India’s first woman President in 2007. Her election was historic as she served as the supreme constitutional authority and represented India globally as the head of state.
2. First Woman Prime Minister of India - Indira Gandhi
Explanation: Indira Gandhi became India’s first woman Prime Minister in 1966. Known for strong leadership, she led the nation during major events like the 1971 war and introduced several economic reforms.
3. First Woman Chief Minister - Sucheta Kriplani
Explanation: Sucheta Kriplani became the first woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1963. She was a freedom fighter and played a key role during India’s independence movement.
4. First Woman Governor - Sarojini Naidu
Explanation: Sarojini Naidu, the “Nightingale of India,” became the first woman Governor of Uttar Pradesh in 1947. She was also a poet and a prominent freedom fighter.
5. First Woman Speaker of Lok Sabha - Meira Kumar
Explanation: Meira Kumar became the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha in 2009. She ensured smooth functioning of parliamentary proceedings with dignity and fairness.
6. First Woman Member of Parliament - Radhabai Subbarayan
Explanation: Radhabai Subbarayan was the first woman to be elected to the Indian Parliament. She represented women’s rights and contributed to early national political discussions.
7. First Woman IPS Officer - Kiran Bedi
Explanation: Kiran Bedi became India’s first woman IPS officer in 1972. Famous for her discipline and reforms, she served in several important law-enforcement roles.
8. First Woman IAS Officer - Anna Rajam Malhotra
Explanation: Anna Rajam Malhotra became India’s first woman IAS officer in 1951. She played key roles in planning and development, including major infrastructure projects.
9. First Indian Woman in Space - Kalpana Chawla
Explanation: Kalpana Chawla became the first Indian-origin woman astronaut. She flew to space on NASA missions and remains an inspiration for millions.
10. First Woman Naval Pilot - Shivangi Singh
Explanation: Shivangi Singh joined the Indian Navy as the first woman pilot. She operates advanced aircraft and represents rising women empowerment in the armed forces.
11. First Woman Railway Loco Pilot - Surekha Yadav
Explanation: Surekha Yadav became Asia’s first woman loco pilot. She drove major trains like the Deccan Queen and broke gender barriers in railways.
12. First Woman Railway Minister - Mamata Banerjee
Explanation: Mamata Banerjee became India’s first woman Railway Minister. She introduced passenger-friendly reforms and later became Chief Minister of West Bengal.
13. First Woman Doctor - Anandi Bai Joshi
Explanation: Dr. Anandi Bai Joshi was India’s first woman doctor. She studied medicine in the USA and inspired women to join the medical field.
14. First Woman Airline Pilot - Sarla Thakral
Explanation: Sarla Thakral became India’s first woman pilot at age 21. She earned her flying license in 1936, inspiring women in aviation.
15. First Woman Teacher - Savitribai Phule
Explanation: Savitribai Phule was India’s first woman teacher and a social reformer. She opened schools for girls and fought against caste and gender discrimination.
16. First Woman Bus Driver - Vasanthakumari
Explanation: Vasanthakumari became the first woman bus driver in India. She drove state buses and encouraged women to join public transport services.
17. First Woman Education Minister - Sheila Kaul
Explanation: Sheila Kaul served as India’s first woman Education Minister. She worked to improve school infrastructure and educational access nationwide.
18. First Woman Lawyer - Cornelia Sorabji
Explanation: Cornelia Sorabji was India’s first woman lawyer. She fought legal battles for women's rights and assisted many women who could not appear in court.
19. First Miss Universe of India - Sushmita Sen
Explanation: Sushmita Sen became the first Indian woman to win Miss Universe in 1994. Her win brought global recognition to India in beauty pageants.
20. First Woman Cabinet Minister - Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
Explanation: Rajkumari Amrit Kaur became India’s first woman Cabinet Minister for Health. She established AIIMS Delhi and promoted public health reforms.