Born: 1992 (Imphal west, Manipur, India)
Biography:
Angellica Aribam, born on 22 January 1992, is an Indian political activist who has dedicated her work to addressing issues of gender, race, and the democratization of politics. Aribam is recognized for her invaluable contributions in promoting women’s political leadership in India through her organization, the Femme First Foundation.
Born in Imphal west, Manipur, India, Aribam comes from a Manipuri Brahmin family. She is the youngest of three siblings, born to Aribam M Sharma and the late Thoibi Devi. At the age of 12, she moved to New Delhi to pursue her education.
Aribam’s academic journey began at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Andrews Ganj. Later, she completed her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry with Honors from Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi in 2012. During a sabbatical from her political endeavors in 2017-2018, she attended Peking University as a MOFCOM scholar and obtained her Master’s degree in Public Policy.
Having a deep passion for politics and a determination to combat the discrimination north-eastern people face in various Indian cities, Aribam joined the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) in July 2012. Her entrance into the world of politics marked a significant turning point in her life, enabling her to challenge the injustices prevalent in society.
In September 2012, Aribam was elected in the Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law at the University of Delhi. This victory made her the first person from the North-eastern region to be elected in the Delhi University Students’ Union. Her subsequent appointment as a National Secretary in the NSUI by Rahul Gandhi in December 2012 made her the youngest member of the national committee.
In 2013, at the AICC session in Jaipur, Aribam delivered an impactful speech, shedding light on the challenges faced by the North-east diaspora across the country. Her active involvement also extended to the formulation and drafting processes of the Student Manifesto for the Indian National Congress in preparation for the 16th Lok Sabha elections.
Her dedication and hard work were recognized in March 2016 when she was promoted to the position of National General Secretary of the NSUI. This milestone further solidified her influence and impact on the political landscape of India.
Aribam’s commitment to women’s political leadership led to the founding of the Femme First Foundation, a non-governmental organization aimed at promoting and fostering women’s participation in politics. Her work aligns with her belief in the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women in all aspects of society.
In recognition of her valuable contributions, Aribam was selected as an inaugural VVEngage Fellow for women political leaders at Vital Voices, an American NGO founded by Hillary Clinton and Madeleine Albright. She continues to dedicate her efforts to bringing about positive change and breaking down barriers for women in politics.
Awards:
– Forbes India’s 30 Under 30 (2017) for her outstanding work on policy and politics.
Aribam’s journey stands as a testament to the power of determination, passion, and the belief in the importance of equal representation. Her contributions have been instrumental in advocating for gender equality and inspiring countless women to pursue leadership roles in politics and society at large. Angellica Aribam’s unwavering dedication to empowering women and promoting inclusivity has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on women’s history in India.