We are is celebrating every year the birth anniversary of the country’s first woman teacher, Savitribai Phule. Born in a small village in Satara district of Maharashtra on January 3, 1831, Savitribai Phule is known for her work as a social worker, poet, and teacher. She was an active participant in the women's liberation movement and later became the first woman teacher in India. She fought a long battle to improve the women's situation in the country.Savitribai, along with her husband, shaped the education system for girls and helped change many social norms.
The contribution of Savitribai Phule is not limited to education only. She challenged the norms of society by opening a home for the prevention of infanticide, offering shelter to widows and allowing her to leave their children for adoption purposes. She strongly fought against child marriage and the Sati tradition, she advocated for the remarriage of widows and raised awareness on many other critical issues.
Savitribai Phule made history by hiring Fatima Begum Sheikh in Bhida Wada School. Fatima Begum was the friend of Jyotibha's husband, Usman Sheikh. Fatima became the first Muslim woman teacher in the country. Despite facing resistance from conservative communities, she continued to teach girls and children from different castes, promoting inclusivity in education.
We honoring Women Teachers with Awards
