On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Brainfeed took the opportunity to recognize the efforts of twenty exceptional women leaders in the field of education. We featured them in our cover story “Women Edupreneurs” of March 2023 edition of the Brainfeed Magazine. These women leaders focused and strived for creating a positive ecosystem at their workplace that helped other women in contributing to their fullest and ushering in the much needed change. Each one of these women educational entrepreneurs shared what it took them to successfully complete their entrepreneurial journey during which they have explored and found new identities for themselves and other women working with them.
In spite of the giant strides taken by women, the general perception that women need not gain education especially in the hinterland is still prevalent. For 200 years women have braved against all odds to make their place. The history of education and women is full of pioneers who have broken gender barriers and worked hard for their rights. As a result, women today have made immense progress in the field of politics, arts, science, law and others.
The first woman who initiated this change in society was Savitribai Phule. Her husband, Jyotirao Phule, had studied Hindu scriptures and believed that all humans were equal. He realised that education was the one tool that is provided to all humans, and would eliminate all social inequalities. So he started the process from his home, by educating his wife. Savitribai Phule was the first woman in India, about whom we know, who believed that educating women is the only tool for a better future. The establishment of the first school for girls by her was revolutionary. Therefore, she is rightfully regarded as the first female teacher in India.
Education not only empowers but also transforms women and allows them to break the ‘traditional’ cycle of exclusion that forces them to be at home and forbids the participation in decision-making. Education prepares women to take on roles and responsibilities in government, business and civil society. Women are always known to make ideal leaders. Various studies have demonstrated that women have tended to allocate resources more wisely than men.
Education is key to economic growth, social development and gender equality. An educated person has a boon to break the cycle of poverty and stop gender-based violence. So with the assurance of girls’ and women’s education, we can create a just world.
Women’s education is a vital part of society and cannot be ignored to any extent. It provides society with sustainability by increasing the human resources of the country which will gradually lead to economic growth. Overall the key benefit is that it creates a legacy. We all know a mother is the child’s first teacher, so an educated woman not only helps in fulfilling the economy of the country but also takes the legacy forward of her child and creates a brighter future.
Overall, educating a girl is never a bad investment, it’s a smart economic strategy that can help to drive growth, reduce poverty and create a more equitable and developed country.
Savitribai Phule was the first woman in India, about whom we know, who believed that educating women is the only tool for a better future. The establishment of the first school for girls by her was revolutionary.
