Savitribai Phule: India’s First Woman Teacher and a Pioneer of Social Reform
Remembering India’s first woman teacher whose fight for education, equality and social justice transformed the lives of women and the oppressed.
Savitribai Phule, regarded as India’s first female teacher, was a fearless social reformer who devoted her life to education, women’s rights and the fight against caste oppression. Born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon village of Maharashtra’s Satara district, she belonged to the Mali community (now classified as OBC). At a time when education was denied to women and lower castes, Savitribai herself grew up without schooling.
Married at the age of 10 to Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai’s life changed when her husband encouraged and supported her education. Jyotiba taught her at home, and later his friends helped her pursue formal studies and teacher training. Empowered by education, the couple went on to make history in 1848 by starting the first Indian-run school for girls in Pune, at Bhide Wada, along with reformer Sagunabai.
The Phules challenged deeply entrenched social norms by opening schools not only for girls but also for children from oppressed and so-called “untouchable” communities. By 1851, they had established three girls’ schools with around 150 students, earning praise for their progressive curriculum. However, their work drew fierce opposition. Savitribai was often abused and attacked on her way to school, and the couple was ostracised by society and even disowned by their family.
They continued their mission with the support of Usman Sheikh and his sister Fatima Begum Sheikh, India’s first Muslim woman teacher. Together, they expanded educational initiatives and eventually opened 18 schools. Savitribai also campaigned against child marriage, supported widow remarriage and ran a shelter for pregnant widows and rape survivors. A poet and author, she used her writing to urge the oppressed to seek education.
Savitribai Phule died in 1897 after contracting the plague while helping an infected child. Her life remains a powerful testament to courage, compassion and the transformative power of education.