Women Pioneers in Indian Politics and Governance

Pratibha Patil was the first woman to become the President of India, serving from 2007 to 2012.

Indira Gandhi served as the Prime Minister of India for a total of 15 years, from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 to 1984.

Sucheta Kripalani was the first woman to be elected as the Chief Minister of an Indian state, serving as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from 1963 to 1967.

Vijayalakshmi Pandit was the first woman to hold the position of Minister of External Affairs in India, serving from 1947 to 1949.

Sarojini Naidu was the first woman to be appointed as the Governor of an Indian state, serving as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh from 1947 to 1949.

Meira Kumar was the first woman to become the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, serving from 2009 to 2014.

Najma Heptulla was the first woman to be elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Rajya Sabha, serving from 1985 to 1988.

Sushma Swaraj was the first woman to hold the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, serving from 2009 to 2014.

Dipak Misra was the first woman to be appointed as the Chief Justice of India, serving from 2017 to 2018.

Sarojini Naidu was the first woman to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress, serving from 1925 to 1926.

Mohini Giri was the first woman to be appointed as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, serving from 1992 to 1995.

Aruna Sharma was the first woman to be appointed as the Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission, serving from 2004 to 2007.