This day also reminds us that we still need to fight for womens rights and work towards equality for all women.
In 2026 the theme of the day is "Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls." It shows how important it is to make sure women everywhere have the chances and are treated fairly.
India has had amazing women who broke rules and inspired others. They have done things in sports, science and more. Here are some Indian women who made their country proud.
* Sushmita Sen
Sushmita Sen broke barriers when she became the Indian woman to win the Miss Universe title in 1994 at just 18 years old. After her win she went on to have a career, in Indian cinema. She inspired other Indian women to compete on global platforms.
* Bachendri Pal
Bachendri Pal made history on May 23 1984 when she became the Indian woman to climb Mount Everest. Her journey to the top was very dangerous. There was an avalanche that hurt some of her team members.. She didn't give up and successfully reached the top. She was later given the Padma Bhushan in 2019 for her bravery and achievements.
* Kalpana Chawla
Kalpana Chawla was the Indian woman in space. She was born in Karnal, Haryana. Joined NASA in 1994. She flew on the STS-87 as a mission specialist. Sadly she died on February 1 2003 when the Space Shuttle Columbia had an accident. She is still an inspiration to young scientists and astronauts.
* Tessy Thomas
Tessy Thomas is often called the "Missile Woman of India." She was the woman scientist to lead a missile project in India. She helped develop Agni-IV and later led the Agni-V project. The missile can travel over 5,000 kilometres. Was successfully tested in 2012.
* Kiran Bedi
Kiran Bedi made history in 1972 when she became the woman officer in the Indian Police Service (IPS). She later became famous for reforming Tihar Jail, where she started education and rehabilitation programs for prisoners. She received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1994 for her work. She also served as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry from 2016 to 2021.
* Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw started the biotechnology company Biocon in 1978 with ₹10,000 in a small garage in Bengaluru. She faced challenges but she built Biocon into one of India’s biggest biotech firms. Today the company makes insulin and cancer drugs used in over 120 countries.
* Anandi Gopal Joshi
Anandi Gopal Joshi is known as India’s female doctor trained in Western medicine. Born in Maharashtra in 1865 she studied at the Womans Medical College of Pennsylvania. Graduated in 1886. After returning to India she became the physician-in-charge at Albert Edward Hospital in Kolhapur. She inspired women to become doctors.
* Shaliza Dhami
Group Captain Shaliza Dhami made history in 2023 when she became the woman officer in the Indian Air Force to command a frontline combat unit. She was chosen to lead a missile squadron in India’s sector. This was a milestone for women in the Indian armed forces.
* Mary Kom
Mary Kom’s journey from a village in Manipur to becoming a world-famous boxer is truly inspiring. She has won six World Amateur Boxing Championships and an Olympic medal. She faced challenges but she became one of India’s most celebrated athletes.
These women show us what courage, determination and excellence look like. Their achievements remind us that when women are given chances they can change societies and inspire future generations.