8 Indian Women Who Challenged Stereotypes & Paved a New Path

By: Navyasri, Writer, WomenEntrepreneurIndia

'Not a woman's job’, ‘the society does not accept this’, ‘sports is not for girls,' - these are just a few of the things women around the world hear when they try to break free from stereotypes and achieve something new. But happily, there are many women who chose not to listen to the critics and moved forward, shattering stereotypes and reaching new heights in their pursuit of achieving their own goals.

It wouldn't be wrong to say that efforts to advance gender equality and empower women have been underway for a very long time, and we have succeeded in achieving at least some of it. From defying patriarchal beliefs to overcoming disabilities in pursuit of their passions, these eight Indian women have shattered glass ceilings and emerged victorious in the way that only true fighters can.

Mehrunisha Shaukat Ali - India’s First Woman Bouncer

Many people have the misconception that only male bouncers can handle unpleasant situations, but MehrunishaShaukat Ali, a 34-year-old woman, is bucking this stereotype by managing frequent fights while simultaneously keeping an eye on female patrons in nightclubs. She has recently gained attention for her dedication and "never-give-up" mentality, which has won her the title of the first lady bouncer in the nation.

Mehrun-Nisha is a fighter at heart. Mehrun-NishaShaukat Ali originally had aspirations of joining the military or working as a police officer, but she ultimately used her brawn as a bouncer.

Shanti Devi - India’s Only Female Truck Mechanic

She works 12 hours a day and can roll tyres as effortlessly as she can a roti.What if I told you that the only female truck mechanic in India can change 50-kilogram tyres with ease? Our society often finds it difficult to reconcile a lady and a truck technician.

Shanti Devi didn't plan it this way; she wasn't expecting much and worked constantly throughout the week, but she may now be India's only female mechanic and isn't afraid to lift tyre trucks and anything else comes in when she's at her automobile shop.

Mira Erda - the first female driver from India to compete in the Euro JK Series

Mira Erda is the first female driver from India to compete in both the Red Bull Race and the Euro JK Series. Her never-quit mentality ensures that the attention follows her everywhere she goes because she has disproved age and gender prejudices in India. She started competing at the age of 9, and the JK TyreRotax Max National Karting Championship was her debut professional event. In a time when girls were concerned with what clothes to wear and what accessories to acquire, she was redefining the country's perspective of women in racing.

Mira enjoys racing around a track in a Formula BMW while her mates prefer to hang out with buddies on the weekends. As the youngest female driver, Mira transitioned to the Formula LGB class of race vehicles in 2014 before making the historic switch to the 2017 JK Euro Series, where she was the first and only Indian woman to compete. The Vadodara native is demonstrating that she genuinely belongs to the country's top class of drivers when competing against seasoned racers.

Rajani Pandit – India’s First Female Detective

The first female detective in India is RajaniPandit, also referred to as the "Lady James Bond of India." RajaniPandit, a 60-year-old desi Sherlock Holmes who was born and raised in Maharashtra, has always loved mysteries and detective stories. 

Her father, a police investigator, served as the inspiration for the 60-year-old desi Sherlock Holmes. Even though RajaniPandit has encountered instances where she had to be told that being an investigator is not a job for women, Rajani's parents have supported and encouraged her in this endeavour.

Ranju Devi - Meet Delhi’s Female Rickshaw Puller

"Pulling along" in a world run by men: Ranju Devi, a mother of three, competes in a field that is nearly entirely dominated by men. Ranju started pulling cycle rickshaws to help her family out financially. Devi primarily conducts business in and near the Dwarka sector-10 metro station. There are ups and downs to being a woman doing a man's job, she claims.

As an afterthought, she adds, "I wish more women enter this field; I feel quite lonely waiting for passengers while the other rickshaw-wallahs converse and joke among themselves."

Shila Dawre - First Indian Woman Auto-Driver 

Shila Dawre, then 18 years old, had just Rs 12 in her pocket and the passion to pursue her aspirations when she made the decision to leave her family's home in the Parbhani area for Pune.

She was not going to take it anymore when people told her that her dreams were useless and that girls from respectable homes didn't pursue careers in driving. At least not in the 1980s.

And when this young lady became the country's first female car driver, she dispelled all of these prejudices. She navigated the alleyways of Pune while rubbing shoulders with khaki-clad guys pushing rickshaws while wearing her everyday salwaarkameez.

Mamatha Poojary: Queen of Kabaddi

MamathaPoojary, often known as the "Kabaaddi Queen," started playing the sport in 2003 when she was just 17 years old. Mamatha's family, who are from Hermunde village in the Udupi region, were initially unsure about her desire for Kabaddi. But she persisted in elevating her community and the nation. She received the RajyotsavaPrashasti as well as the Arjuna Award. She captained the Indian women's kabaddi team and helped her squad win the 2012 Kabaddi World Championship final. For India, she has garnered 12 gold medals.

Neetu Sarkar's Journey from Child Bride to International Wrestler

Neetu, a resident of the Haryana village of Bhiwani, was married off at the age of 13 to a mentally handicapped man. Within a week of the wedding, she fled when her father-in-law attempted to rape her. But her parents married her off again. Neetu decided to take up wrestling because her family was having financial troubles. She started training at a facility in Rohtak and her hard work paid off soon. At a national competition, she earned her first bronze medal, and from that point on, she never looked back. Neetu has since won medals at numerous regional, national, and international competitions.