Last Updated:
International Women’s Day 2025: Though politics has often been dominated by men, these women leaders have made remarkable strides, demonstrating that leadership knows no gender
From left to right: Mamata Banerjee, Sonia Gandhi and Nirmala Sitharaman. (PTI file photos)
Indian women have long broken stereotypes and proved themselves in diverse fields such as sports, entertainment, and science. As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, it’s crucial to recognise the significant contributions of Indian women in politics.
Though politics has often been dominated by men, these women leaders have made remarkable strides, demonstrating that leadership knows no gender.
Here are some of the most influential women politicians in India, past and present, who have reshaped the political landscape and inspired generations to come.
Indian Women Politicians From The Present-Day
Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, is the founder and leader of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). Known for her grassroots activism, Banerjee broke the Left Front’s dominance in Bengal and became a champion for the poor and marginalised. Her leadership has significantly impacted both state and national politics, earning her the respect of many, especially in her home state.
Sonia Gandhi
Sonia Gandhi, the longest-serving president of the Indian National Congress, became a central figure in Indian politics after taking Indian citizenship and marrying former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. Under her leadership, the Congress formed the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and governed India from 2004 to 2014. Known for her calm and determined leadership, she played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s political direction during her tenure.
Nirmala Sitharaman
Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s first full-time female Finance Minister, has made history as a prominent political figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Prior to her role as Finance Minister, she served as Defence Minister, becoming the second woman to hold this position after Indira Gandhi. As Union Finance Minister, Sitharaman has presented eight budgets so far.
Smriti Irani
We can’t mention Smriti Irani without referencing her iconic portrayal of Tulsi Virani in ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,’ which made her a household name. However, she later moved away from television and successfully transitioned into a political career with the BJP. She has held several key positions in the Union Cabinet under the Modi government, including in the Ministries of Education, Textiles, Women and Child Development, and Minority Affairs.
Rekha Gupta
Rekha Gupta, the newly elected Chief Minister of Delhi, made history as the BJP’s only female CM in the national capital after Sushma Swaraj. Born in Haryana’s Julana, she began her political career in 1992 with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). A law graduate from Delhi University, Gupta has been actively involved in student politics, serving as president of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) and later as general secretary. She has also held key positions within the BJP, including general secretary of the Mahila Morcha in Delhi and membership in the party’s national executive committee.
ALSO READ: International Women’s Day On March 8: A Look At How Women Leaders Are Redefining Businesses
Indian Women Politicians From The Past
Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi, India’s first and only female Prime Minister, left an indelible mark on Indian politics. Serving as Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984, she led the country through challenging periods, including the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. Her decisive leadership continues to be an inspiration to many, despite the controversies surrounding her tenure.
Jayalalithaa
J. Jayalalithaa, fondly known as ‘Amma’, was the first female Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. She transformed the state’s political landscape with her leadership, representing the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). A successful actress before entering politics, Jayalalithaa’s charisma and policy-driven governance made her a symbol of empowerment for women in the region. She passed away on December 5, 2016, at the age of 68, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Sheila Dikshit
Sheila Dikshit served as Delhi’s longest-serving female Chief Minister from 1998 to 2013. Known for her exceptional work in transforming Delhi’s infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems, she made significant contributions to the city’s development. Her leadership and vision were instrumental in making Delhi a modern, cosmopolitan city. She passed away on 20 July 2019, at the age of 81, after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Maharani Gayatri Devi
Maharani Gayatri Devi, the last queen of Jaipur, was not only a fashion icon but also a political leader and a champion for social causes. Her influence went beyond her royal status, playing a key role in shaping Jaipur’s political landscape. Opposing Congress Party’s policies, she aligned with the Swatantra Party under C. Rajagopalachari. In the 1962 elections, she made history by winning the Lok Sabha elections with the largest majority in any democratic country’s history. Devi passed away on 29 July 2009, at the age of 90, after suffering from paralytic ileus and a lung infection.
Sushma Swaraj
Sushma Swaraj, known for her eloquence and compassionate leadership, was one of India’s most respected political figures from the BJP. She held several key positions, including as the Union Minister for External Affairs, making her only the second woman after Indira Gandhi to hold that role. Her passing in 2019 left a void in Indian politics, but her legacy as a trailblazer for women in leadership roles endures.
ALSO READ: International Women’s Day: Meet Female Gamers Leading Gaming Revolution In India
