Born: 1962 (Ayatapur, Banapur block, Khordha district, Odisha, India)
Manasi Pradhan (born 4 October 1962) is an Indian women’s rights activist and author. She is the founder of Honour for Women National Campaign, a nationwide movement to end violence against women in India. Pradhan has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and empowerment of women, and her work has had a significant impact on society.
Born to a poor family in the remote village of Ayatapur in Banapur block of Khordha district, Odisha, Manasi Pradhan faced numerous challenges from an early age. Female education was considered a major taboo in most rural areas of Banapur, and girls were rarely allowed to attend high school. However, Pradhan’s determination and ambition propelled her forward.
After completing her middle school education in her village, Pradhan faced strong pressure to end her studies. However, she refused to give in to societal expectations and walked 15 kilometers daily, traversing hilly terrain and swamps, to attend the only high school in the entire region. Her perseverance paid off, as she emerged as the first woman to pass the high school examination in her village.
Pradhan’s relentless pursuit for education continued as she moved to Puri for her college education. However, financial hardships quickly became a barrier. With meager earnings from the village farmland, it became challenging to sustain her studies and support her family. Despite these obstacles, Pradhan persevered and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Government Women’s College, Puri, and a Master of Arts degree in Odia literature from Utkal University. She further pursued her passion for justice by obtaining a Bachelor of Laws degree from G.M. Law College, Puri.
Throughout her career, Pradhan has played a pivotal role in shaping women’s rights in India. She founded the Honour for Women National Campaign, an organization dedicated to eliminating violence against women. Through her work, Pradhan has raised awareness, provided support for victims, and advocated for the implementation of stronger laws and policies to protect women’s rights.
In recognition of her remarkable contributions, Pradhan has received several prestigious awards. In 2014, she was bestowed with the Rani Laskhmibai Stree Shakti Puraskar by the President of India. This recognition serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to the empowerment and safety of women in India.
Pradhan’s impact extends beyond national borders, as she has been featured and acknowledged by numerous international publications and organizations. In 2011, she, along with Mary Prema Pierick, the global head of the Missionaries of Charity, was honored with the ‘Outstanding Women Award’. Moreover, she has been recognized as one of the 20 most inspiring Feminist Authors and Activists by the New York-based Bustle in 2016. In 2017, the Los Angeles-based Welker Media Inc. named her among the 12 most powerful feminist change makers. These accolades reflect Pradhan’s remarkable influence and the global recognition of her efforts.
Pradhan’s dedication to advocating for women’s rights has led her to establish various organizations, such as Nirbhaya Vahini, Nirbhaya Samaroh, and OYSS Women. These initiatives aim to address the underlying issues of gender-based violence and promote gender equality.
In addition to her activism, Pradhan has served on the panel of the Central Board of Film Certification (Censor Board) for India, contributing to the regulation and promotion of gender-positive narratives in Indian cinema. She has also been a member of the Inquiry Committee of the National Commission for Women, furthering her commitment to ensuring justice for women.
The life story of Manasi Pradhan has been adopted as documentaries in the United States and Israel, shining a spotlight on her incredible journey and inspiring others to fight for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Manasi Pradhan’s indomitable spirit, resilience, and relentless pursuit of justice make her an iconic figure in the realm of women’s rights activism. Her unwavering dedication to ending violence against women and her significant contributions to society solidify her position as a pioneer in women’s history. Through her work, Pradhan continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of women to break barriers and champion gender equality.