Three Indians named in BBC's 100 most inspiring women list for 2024

Vinesh Phogat, Pooja Sharma, and Aruna Roy have been recognized in BBC's prestigious list of the 100 most inspiring women globally for 2024. This recognition highlights their remarkable contributions to their respective fields and their resilience in the face of global challenges.

Vinesh Phogat

A three-time Olympian and one of India's most celebrated wrestlers, Vinesh Phogat made history as the first female wrestler from India to reach an Olympic final. However, she was disqualified from the final after failing a weigh-in, which led to her retirement from sports and entry into politics. Phogat has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports and played a leading role in the protests against the Indian Wrestling Federation chief, who faced allegations of sexual harassment. Her dedication to fighting for women's rights has made her a significant figure in the country’s sports landscape.

Pooja Sharma

Pooja Sharma has spent the last three years performing last rites for unclaimed bodies in Delhi, a role traditionally reserved for men in Hinduism. Inspired by her personal experience of conducting funeral rites for her brother, she has continued this work, conducting ceremonies for over 4,000 individuals from various faiths. Despite facing resistance, Sharma’s work advocates for dignity in death, and she has used social media to raise awareness about her mission.

Aruna Roy

A social activist and advocate for the poor, Aruna Roy left her civil service career to focus on grassroots work. She co-founded the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), an organization that fights for transparency and fair wages, and played a key role in the enactment of the 2005 Right to Information Act. Over four decades, she has led numerous initiatives for social justice, earning accolades like the Ramon Magsaysay Award. Roy continues to be a driving force in advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.

These women, along with other global leaders like Nobel Peace laureate Nadia Murad and Hollywood actor Sharon Stone, have been celebrated for their resilience and efforts to drive change in a rapidly evolving world.