Lakshmibai Bhoner

19th century Indian social reformer who pioneered women's education and abolished child marriage practices

Lakshmibai Bhoner (1830-1898) was a visionary social reformer from Maharashtra, India who dedicated her life to uplifting marginalized communities. Born into a Brahmin family during the British Raj, she broke societal norms by establishing India's first girls' school in 1852 at the age of 22. Her innovative educational model combined traditional Sanskrit studies with modern subjects like mathematics and science, educating over 2000 girls during her lifetime.

In 1865, she founded the Sahyadri Mahila Samaj, a women's rights organization that successfully lobbied for laws against child marriage and widow remarriage taboos. Her 1878 publication Women's Rights in Hindu Society became a seminal text for India's women's movement. Bhoner's interfaith initiatives also promoted gender equality among Muslim and Christian communities in Mumbai.

Despite facing violent opposition from orthodox groups, she expanded her work to include vocational training programs for textile workers and farmers. Her 1889 speech at the Bombay Legislative Council marked the first time a woman addressed colonial authorities on gender issues. Bhoner's legacy is preserved in the annual Bhonerkar Awards given to modern Indian women leaders.