Teachers’ Day Special: Savitribai Phule to Fatima Sheikh, Indian Women Educators Who Fought Tooth and Nail For Education Rights

Indian has seen some of the greatest women who fought not just for the basic rights of women, but also for the education at a time when it was not even a priority of the masses.

The struggle for education rights in India has been significantly shaped by the efforts of courageous women who challenged societal norms. Savitribai Phule to Sarla Devi to Fatima Sheikh, these women are one of the pioneers of education for women in India. They shattered glass ceilings when everything was against them. It is their ardent dedication and will power that paved way for several other females today in India.  On Teachers’ Day , let us remember the first educators who fought tooth and nail for all the Indian women who today sit in class rooms with big  aspiration and dreams in their eyes.

Savitribai Phule (1831-1897)

Savitribai Phule is often hailed as the first female teacher in India. Born into a low-caste family, she defied societal norms by pursuing education. Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she opened the first girls’ school in Pune in 1848. Savitribai fought against child marriage and worked tirelessly to promote education for marginalized communities, laying the groundwork for future generations of women educators.

Fatima Sheikh (1831-1900)

A contemporary of Savitribai, Fatima Sheikh was one of the first Muslim women teachers in India. Born into a progressive family, she joined Savitribai in the mission to promote girls’ education. Fatima played a crucial role in establishing schools for girls, particularly in the Muslim community. Her advocacy for women’s education was groundbreaking and helped challenge the barriers faced by women of her time.

Durgabai Deshmukh (1909-1981)

Durgabai Deshmukh is remembered as one of the freedom fighters who upheld the Gandhian principles. She founded vocational schools for women to learn weaving and spinning. She helmed several projects that focused on preparing the women for being independent. She helped women prepare for Banaras University Matric examinations, and propelled several in building their own careers.

Sarla Devi Chaudhurani (1872-1945)

She was one of the most educated women at a time when education for females was not even considered a thing. She founded the ‘Bharat Stree Mahamandal’ that focused and promoted female education. She was a well read women who is ascribed as a feminist, political activist and advocate of women’s education.

Begum Zaffar Ali (1900-1999)

She was the first women matriculate from Kashmir. A headstrong women’s right activist, it is said that Ali used to knock door-to-door in an endeavor to raise awareness about the girls’ education in the valley. Eventually, she was also appointed as the Inspector of Schools in Kashmir and helmed the position as a dedicated and passionate educator in her own right.