On the occasion of Women’s Day, we bring to you ten women who have fought great odds to become some of the most respected names in the country. If you are looking for someone to emulate, take a look at the list below.

1. Fathima Beevi

The first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India, Fathima Beevi was recently given a Lifetime Award by the USIBC.

2. Ruma Pal

A former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Ruma Pal is widely regarded as one of the finest judges the country has produced.

(Read full interview)

3. Leila Seth 

A first-generation lawyer, Leila Seth started her practice in the courts of Calcutta at a time when there were barely any women in the legal profession.

When she became a judge of the Delhi High Court, the first woman to do so, things did not get easier.

(Read full interview)

4. Ved Kumari

With a focus on clinical education and child rights, the Law Centre professor has held an array of posts including the head of the Delhi Judicial Academy.

(Read full interview)

5. Amita Dhanda

A respected name in disability rights, this NALSAR University professor has often spoken out on the need to make legal education more inclusive.

(Read full interview)

6. Flavia Agnes

Co-founder of Majlis, Agnes is widely regarded as one of the the country’s leading activists and lawyers.

Working out of the city of Mumbai, Agnes has spoken out against gender discrimination in the legal system, the rights of women, and bringing about gender parity in the law.

7. Gayatri Singh

One of the co-founders of the Human Rights Law Network, Gayatri Singh was recently designated by the Bombay High Court.

With a focus on the rights of the oppressed, Singh has filed a number of PIL’s in the High Court.

8. Pallavi Shroff

One of the first women to join litigation, Pallavi Shroff is a pioneer in more ways than one.

The Managing  Partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas is especially well know for her expertise in litigation and anti-trust.  (Read full interview)

9. Zia Mody 

Routinely acknowledged as one of the most powerful people in Indian business, Zia Mody is the co-founder of one of the country’s biggest law firms.

Apart from being one of the foremost experts on corporate law, Mody has also managed to author a book on the Supreme Court.

(Read full interview)

10. Indira Jaising

Never one to back down, the former Additional Solicitor General has taken on the mightiest.

Her latest attempt at cleaning up the system is a challenge to the existing system of senior counsel designations, which she argues needs to be reformed urgently

(Take the Bar & Bench survey on senior designations)