As per Subash C. Bose, “Women of India are the real heroes of our freedom struggle. Their stories of courage, determination, and sacrifice are a source of inspiration for all.”  Some of their contributions are as follows:-

1. First War of Independence (1857-1858):

• Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi: She led her soldiers against the British in military warfare which has been regarded as a symbol for resistance and bravery.

2. Late 19th Century:

• Pandita Ramabai: founded Mukti Mission to support ostracized widows, she also fought for women’s education and rights of widows and promoted education for Girls.
• Savitri Phule: Started the first girls’ school in Pune in 1848 and relentlessly worked towards ending social evils like caste prejudice and child marriage.

3. Early 20th Century: Swadeshi Movement

• Sarala Devi Chaudhurani: Initiated “Lakshmi Bhandar” or ‘Lakshmi’s shop’, organized Swadeshi fairs, and popularized the Swadeshi movement.

4. 1915 Onwards: Gandhian Phase

• Kasturba Gandhi: Took part in nonviolent demonstrations, was arrested several times as well as imprisoned because of her disobedient civil acts and Organisation of Satyagraha.
• Sarojini Naidu: Led Dharasana Salt Raids Participation of women in National Struggle.
• Annie Besant: The resolution demanding equal voting rights for women was passed under her presidentship at Congress.

5. 1919: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

• Attar Kaur and Rattan Devi: Despite the compensation offered by the British government to these victims’ families after the Massacre in Jallianwala Bagh; they are reportedly two who turned it down simply refusing any assistance from their husbands’ murderers.

6.Non-cooperation Movement ( 1919-22) : 

• Basanti Devi : She led the movement in Bengal and organised women during boycotts and protests.

7. 1930-32: Civil Disobedience Movement 

• Kamala Devi Chattopadhaya: She organised boycotts of foreign goods, promoted indigenous industries, and mobilised women to participate in acts of civil disobedience.

8. Revolutionary Phase Armed Struggle:

• Pritilata Waddedar: led a group of revolutionaries in the attack on the Pahartali European Club in Chittagong in 1932, aiming to strike a blow against British colonial symbols and underground Activities.
• Bina Das: Engaged in underground activities against British and colonial rule. In 1932, she attempted to assassinate the Governor of Bengal, Stanley Jackson, as a protest against colonial oppression.

9. 1940s: Indian National Army

• Captain Lakshmi Sahgal: Led the all-women Rani of Jhansi Regiment in the INA, engaged in direct military action against British forces.

10. 1942: Quit India Movement

• Aruna Asaf Ali: Hoisted the Indian flag at Gowalia Tank Maidan, signalling the start of the Quit India Movement; became a political figure post-independence.

Changing dynamics of women during the British rule:–

1.  Military Leadership: Begum Hazrat Mahal coordinated the military strategies and administrative functions when her husband Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was not there, effectively directing resistance toward British rule.
2.  Socio-Religious Reform Movements : Both Pandita Ramabai and Savitri Devi Phule contributed a lot towards women education, widow remarriage and their overall empowerment.
3. Political Leadership: Sucheta Kriplani a close associate of Gandhi during Partition riots; later became India’s first woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
4. Rise of Feminism: Women started demanding equal rights and opportunities as par with men with growing awareness against patriarchy in the society.
5. Economic contribution:Women started realising the importance of financial independence and started contributing to the nation breaking prevalent gender stereotypes.

Women have played a vital role in India’s struggle for freedom. They not only fought alongside men but also brought about a change in the mindset of society towards women’s participation in nation-building. Without women’s participation, our Freedom struggle wouldn’t have been a success.