This Indian woman single-handedly changed the course of women's rights in India. Hansa Jivraj Mehta (1897-1995) was an Indian social reformer, feminist, and educator who played a significant role in the women’s rights movement in India. Born on July 3, 1897, in Surat, Gujarat, she dedicated her life to advocating for gender equality, education, and social justice.

Mehta came from a progressive and educated family, which influenced her early upbringing and beliefs.

She completed her education in Bombay (now Mumbai) and later pursued higher studies in London, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics.

Upon her return to India, Mehta began her career as an educator and joined the faculty of the Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College in Mumbai. She worked tirelessly to promote women’s education and believed that education was the key to empowering women and achieving social progress. Mehta actively supported the establishment of women’s colleges and was involved in various educational

committees.

Her contributions to the women’s rights movement were numerous. Mehta served as the president of the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) from 1945 to 1948 and played a crucial role in shaping its

agenda. She advocated for legal reforms to improve women’s rights, including the Hindu Code Bill, which sought to grant equal rights to women in matters of inheritance and marriage. Her efforts were instrumental in the passage of the Hindu Marriage Act and the Hindu Succession Act in the Indian Parliament.

Mehta also campaigned against child marriage, dowry system, and other social evils that oppressed women. She emphasized the importance of women’s participation in politics and encouraged them to be active in public life. Mehta herself became the first Indian woman to be appointed to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in 1947.



In recognition of her tireless efforts, Mehta received numerous awards and honors throughout her life.

She was honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in 1959. Mehta’s work

continues to inspire generations of feminists and social activists in India and beyond.