Our seventh and final edition of the 2024 Beyond Victims Series brings you stories of inspiring women political leaders from India working for grassroots change.
Dive in to read stories of R Sreelakha, Nauroti Devi, Anita Nagar Singh Chouhan, Sanjana Jatav, Archana K. R, Deepika Pandey Singh, and Lokamma.
R Sreelakha
An experienced IPS Officer progressed from public services to public welfare, stepping into politics to focus on public welfare, particularly in areas such as women’s empowerment and administrative efficiency. Since then, she has focused on leveraging her extensive experience to promote public welfare, particularly emphasising women’s empowerment, grassroots governance, and sustainable development.
Nauroti Devi
A 74-year-old Dalit woman who once advocated wage discrepancy in the Supreme court and mobilised many for social justice. After becoming a sarparch, she fought against the alcohol mafia, got construction done for water bodies, toilets, houses and the installation of hand pumps. Also, empowered everyone in the village by personally sourcing educational and informative resources for everyone.
Anita Nagar Singh Chouhan
The first woman to win the Lok Sabha seat from Ratlam-Jhabua, she addressed tribal rights and economic challenges by launching vocational training programs for youth and facilitating rural road construction for better connectivity. Her efforts also included streamlining healthcare access through mobile health units in underserved villages.
- Newsdrum
Sanjna Jatav
One of the youngest political figures from Rajasthan, known for her advocacy and work for empowering marginalized communities and youth in her constituency. She has been recognized as a promising voice for the Scheduled Caste community and continues to champion inclusivity and grassroots development.
- NDTV
Archana K R
Archana K. R. has led transformative campaigns, including securing ₹100 crore for school toilets in Karnataka. With 15 years of grassroots activism, she has empowered marginalized communities, championed women’s and transgender rights, and resolved over 300 local issues. Her leadership is rooted in systemic change and amplifying voices for equity.
- Multiple Sources
Dipika Pandey Singh
MLA, Mahagama and present Agriculture Minister Government of Jharkhand
Rising through politics with her Ghar Ghar Paon Paon campaign, Deepika prioritizes women’s rights, fighting child marriage and human trafficking. Guided by a gender lens, she empowers local women leaders like Aanganwadi workers to ensure essential services—water, healthcare, and livelihoods—reach communities effectively.
- Story submitted by Vijeta Singh
Lokamma
Lokamma, a Dalit woman leader, made history by winning her seat in the hokarna Panchayat, Bidar, in the December 2020 elections. Her presence in office is a powerful symbol of reclaiming dignity and a testament to her unwavering commitment to equality, challenging the barriers faced by Dalit women in politics.
Source: Story submitted by Surbhi Mahajan, Senior Communications Officer, The Hunger Project India
Project Management: Ragini Puri
Contributors: Aditi Verma and Nishant Pawa
Edited by: Sugandha
Design: Escandita Tewari
Template: Vida Seraphina (https://vidaseraphina.dk/)
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