It was primarily education that changed the lifestyle of the Indian women. The concept of Indian women activists has its roots in the 19th and 20th centuries. Women education was in its full swing in India then. Social reform groups, such as, Arya Samaj, Brahmo Samaj, Prarthana Samaj and others encouraged women`s participation in social and religious issues. Women during these centuries took up the responsibility of spreading awareness regarding numerous issues. Women emancipation developed as a primary concern too. They organised themselves into different organisations which worked for the upliftment and enlightenment of women.

With changing times the contribution of the Indian women activists became more important. Their concern with the status of Indian women led to different social works. Time and again Indian social activists have spoken against social evils like child marriage, child labour, exploitation of women, dowry system and whole heartedly supported various educational programmes. Contemporary India has also witnessed the rise of politically affiliated women organisations. With more and more Indian women opting for employment, issues relating to their safety are a major concern for the Indian women activists as well. Besides these the Indian women activists have also lend their voices for environmental causes.

Eminent Indian women activists hail from the fields of academics, art, literature and others. Organisations, such as, National Council for Women, Stree Sangharsh Samiti, Purogami Sanghatan and several others have been formed by the Indian women activists for safeguarding their rights and fighting for the oppressed.