Unsung Heroes: Three Women Leading India's Charge Against Gender-Based Violence

This article is authored by Poonam Muttreja, Sunitha Krishnan, and Ranjana Kumari, is catalysing systemic change across the country with their work

Started by activists in 1991 and coordinated by the Centre for Women's Global Leadership, 16 Days of Activism (November 25 to December 10) aims to inspire unified action against all forms of gender violence. This year, the campaign draws attention to digital violence against women and girls. However, it is important not to see this problem in isolation because gender-based violence is a systemic issue that percolates down eventually into digital spaces. In 2023 alone, nearly four and a half lakh incidents of crimes against women were reported in India as per the National Crime Records Bureau.

Three inspirational women leaders are working to change this situation for the better by influencing policy, strengthening public awareness, providing survivor-centred support and catalysing systemic change.

1. Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, Population Foundation of India

For over four decades, Poonam Muttreja has been one of India’s most influential voices on women’s health, gender justice, and reproductive rights. As Executive Director of Population Foundation of India, she has led some of the country’s most impactful online and offline campaigns addressing gender-based violence, including Bas Ab Bahut Ho Gaya and Desh Badlega Jab Mard Badlega. She is also the co-creator of the award-winning transmedia initiative Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon, which challenged harmful gender norms and addressed GBV through entertainment and community engagement.

A Schwab Foundation awardee, Poonam has worked extensively with governments, civil society, and multilateral partners to scale community action for health and strengthen social and behaviour change communication. An alumna of Delhi University and Harvard Kennedy School, she serves on several national and international governing councils and regularly contributes to public debates through television, print, and policy forums.

2. Dr Sunitha Krishnan, Co-founder, Prajwala & Anti-Trafficking Advocate

In November, human rights activist Sunitha Krishnan received the Best International Book (Non-Fiction) award at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 for her memoir ‘I Am What I Am.’ The moment was more than a literary honour for the Padma Shri awardee and founder of Prajwala, India’s largest anti trafficking organisation. “The award gives us a wider platform to press for laws that place victims at the centre, for stronger implementation and for attention to the forces that drive the demand. We have created frameworks, yet the urgency in putting them into action is still absent,” she said. Working passionately and consistently, she has shaped Prajwala’s trajectory and increased awareness about sex trafficking. She was also named the Tallberg Global Leader for the year 2016 and is an advisor to several State Governments to develop holistic victim services.

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3. Dr Ranjana Kumari, Director, Centre for Social Research & Chair, Women Power Connect

Renowned social activist, scholar and advocate for women’s rights in India and South Asia, Dr Ranjana Kumari is at present the Director of the Centre for Social Research and President of Women Power Connect. She has dedicated her life to advancing gender equality, strengthening women’s participation in governance and addressing issues such as dowry violence, female foeticide and human trafficking. Her entry into social work began with her concern over a dowry death near her home in 1976, which later shaped her well-known publication 'Brides Are Not for Burning'. She has also served as the Coordinator of the South Asia Network Against Trafficking in Persons and is a member of the Central Advisory Board on the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Tests Act, 2001. “Freedom means being free of all bonds, but unfortunately, there are many ties that bind an Indian woman. One of the biggest ones is societal pressure. It is the society where women continue to be seen as second-class citizens, and the reason behind it is our mindset,” said Ranjana in an interview, stating that her fight for women’s rights will continue until true equality is achieved.

Image credits: Freepik

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