Indian women have made significant strides in global politics, with many holding influential positions and breaking barriers. Here are ten notable Indian women who have left their mark on the political landscape.
- Kamala Harris: Born in Oakland to immigrant parents from India and Jamaica, Harris became the first woman, Black American, and South Asian Vice President of the United States in 2021. She previously served as district attorney of San Francisco and California's attorney general.
Facts:
- Born on October 20, 1964
- Studied political science and economics at Howard University
- Earned a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley Hastings College of Law
- Specialized in prosecuting child sexual assault cases as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County from 1990 to 1998
- Served as California's attorney general from 2011 to 2017 and won a $20 billion settlement for Californians whose homes had been foreclosed on and a $1.1 billion settlement for students and veterans
- Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016, defeating Democrat Loretta Sanchez in the general election
- Serves as president of the US Senate with Democrats and independents controlling the chamber
- Married to Douglas Emhoff, who graduated from the University of California, Northridge and obtained a law degree from the University of Southern California's Gould School of Law
- Usha Chilukuri Vance: A key advisor to political leaders and an influential figure in her own right, Usha Chilukuri Vance has amplified the impact of Indian women in global politics.
Facts:
- Born in India and immigrated to the United States
- Worked as a software engineer before transitioning into politics
- Advocated for consumer protection and against for-profit education companies during her time as California attorney general under Kamala Harris
- Priyanka Radhakrishnan: New Zealand's first Indian-origin minister, Priyanka Radhakrishnan has made history by representing the diverse voices of her community in the political sphere.
Facts:
- Born in India and immigrated to New Zealand with her family as a child
- Studied law at Victoria University of Wellington
- Worked as a lawyer before entering politics
- Elected as New Zealand's first Indian-origin minister in 2023, serving under Prime Minister Chris Hipkins
- Prabhjote Kaur Jyoti: A trailblazer for Indian women in Canadian politics, Prabhjote Kaur Jyoti has made a name for herself as a strong advocate and representative.
Facts:
- Born in India and immigrated to Canada with her family as a child
- Studied political science at the University of British Columbia
- Worked as an organizer for various political campaigns before being elected to the Leicester East UK Parliament in 2023
- Zaneta Mascarenhas: A prominent figure in Australian politics, Zaneta Mascarenhas has made a significant impact as a representative of her community and a champion for social justice.
Facts:
- Born in India and immigrated to Australia with her family as a child
- Studied law at the University of Sydney
- Worked as an advocate for social justice issues before being elected to Swan Division, Western Australia, in 2023