A globally recognized activist who has led the advancement of gender equality and the protection of women’s rights for more than four decades, and a symbolic figure in the women’s movement in India.

As Director of the non-profit organization Centre for Social Research (CSR), she has led numerous national projects aimed at eliminating gender-based violence, promoting women’s economic independence, and encouraging political participation. In particular, her pioneering initiatives addressing the dowry system and violence against women have brought significant transformation to Indian society, exerting substantial influence on both legal frameworks and social awareness.

She has served as a gender expert for the International Labour Organization (ILO) and authored nine books to date. She has received numerous prestigious honors in India and internationally, including the Lotus Leadership Award, and holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Delhi.

Currently, as Chair of the AWLF India Committee, she works to strengthen collaboration among women leaders across Asia and continues to advocate for inclusive growth and a just society through lectures and media engagement.

As of February 25, 2026