Women Shaping South Asia 

Women Shaping South Asia



South Asia is a region rich in culture, diversity, and history. Women in this region have played pivotal roles in shaping their societies and have made remarkable achievements in various fields. Here are the top 10 most influential women in South Asia, who have made a significant impact in their respective domains.

Top 10 Most Influential Women in the Region


Sheikh Hasina - Prime Minister of Bangladesh 

Sheikh Hasina is the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh and has been in office since 2009. She has been instrumental in transforming Bangladesh's economy and has worked towards improving social welfare and gender equality in the country.

Sushma Swaraj - Former Minister of External Affairs, India  

Sushma Swaraj was the former Minister of External Affairs of India and the second woman to hold the position. She was known for her efficient diplomacy and quick action in addressing the concerns of Indian nationals abroad.

Aung San Suu Kyi - State Counsellor of Myanmar 

Aung San Suu Kyi is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the State Counsellor of Myanmar. She has been a prominent pro-democracy activist and played a pivotal role in Myanmar's transition to a more democratic government.

Arundhati Roy - Author and Activist, India 

 Arundhati Roy is a renowned author and activist from India. She is known for her writings on social justice, human rights, and environmental issues. Her book, "The God of Small Things," won the Booker Prize in 1997.

Asma Jahangir - Human Rights Activist, Pakistan

 Asma Jahangir was a Pakistani human rights activist and lawyer who was known for her advocacy of women's rights, religious freedom, and minority rights. She was also the co-founder of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.

Tawakkol Karman - Human Rights Activist, Yemen 

Tawakkol Karman is a Yemeni human rights activist and journalist who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her work in promoting women's rights and democracy in Yemen.

Chandrika Kumaratunga - Former President of Sri Lanka 

Chandrika Kumaratunga was the first female President of Sri Lanka and held the position from 1994 to 2005. She played a significant role in ending the country's civil war and promoting peace and reconciliation.

Malala Yousafzai - Activist and Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Pakistan 

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban and has since become a prominent advocate for girls' education worldwide.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy - Filmmaker and Activist, Pakistan 

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is a Pakistani filmmaker and activist who has won two Academy Awards for her documentaries. She is known for her work on human rights, gender equality, and social justice issues.

Laxmi Agarwal - Acid Attack Survivor and Activist, India 

Laxmi Agarwal is an Indian acid attack survivor and activist who has been instrumental in advocating for stronger laws against acid attacks in India. She is also a motivational speaker and runs an NGO that works towards rehabilitating acid attack survivors.


These influential women in South Asia have shattered glass ceilings and challenged societal norms to make significant contributions in their respective fields. They have inspired generations of women to follow in their footsteps and continue to make an impact on their communities and the world.