Hansa Jivraj Mehta: Advocate for Women’s Dignity in 1930s

Hansa Jivraj Mehta, a pioneering figure in India’s freedom movement and women’s rights, championed the idea that women’s rights are human rights, setting new standards for women’s involvement in politics and public life.

Born on July 3, 1897, in Surat, Gujarat, Hansa Jivraj Mehta embarked on a remarkable journey at just 22 years old when she sailed to Britain in 1919 to study at the London School of Economics. There, she immersed herself in philosophy, sociology, and journalism, laying the foundation for her future endeavors.

Mehta’s path intersected with renowned leaders like Sarojini Naidu and Mahatma Gandhi, igniting her passion for India’s freedom movement and women’s rights. In 1920, she joined Naidu in Geneva for the Eighth Conference of the International Woman Suffrage Alliance.

Her political career took a significant turn when she won the 1937 Bombay Legislative Council election, marking a defining moment in her journey. Engaging in Swadeshi and non-cooperation movements, she was imprisoned in 1932 for her active role in India’s struggle for independence.

Hansa Jivraj Mehta’s legacy lives on as a trailblazer who reshaped the narrative around women’s rights, leaving an indelible mark on India’s history.

Re-reported from the article originally published in She the people.