For decades, societal biases and systemic challenges have tried to confine women within predefined roles, but they have persistently broken barriers, proving their mettle in fields once dominated by men. The civil services, once an exclusive domain of a few pioneering women, have witnessed a remarkable transformation. Today, women are not just joining the IAS, IPS, and IFS in greater numbers, but they are excelling, leading, and redefining governance. From cadets to Director Generals of Police, from District Magistrates to Chief Secretaries, from Forest Conservators to Ambassadors, they have risen through the ranks, demonstrating resilience, intelligence, and leadership. Their journey has been anything but easy—facing stereotypes, gender biases, and institutional hurdles—but their determination has turned challenges into stepping stones.
On International Women’s Day, Indian Masterminds presents the stories of a few such officers who have shattered the glass ceiling and paved the way for many others in the future.
IADASHISHA NONGRANG : MEGHALAYA’S FIRST WOMAN POLICE CHIEF
Iadashisha Nongrang made history as the first woman Director General of Police (DGP) of Meghalaya, becoming only the fifth female IPS officer in India to hold this prestigious position. A 1992-batch officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, Nongrang’s career is marked by excellence in intelligence and policing. Her tenure in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) from 2003 to 2020 saw her take on critical roles. Recognized for her service with the Indian Police Medal in 2008 and the President’s Police Medal in 2015, she currently serves as Meghalaya’s police chief until May 2026. Prior to her DGP appointment, she was the Director General of Civil Defence and Home Guard. Her leadership continues to inspire a new generation of women in law enforcement.
SUJATA SAUNIK : MAHARASHTRA’S FIRST FEMALE CHIEF SECRETARY
A trailblazer in governance, Sujata Saunik is Maharashtra’s first female Chief Secretary. A 1987-batch IAS officer, she has held key positions, including Additional Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Principal Secretary of Public Health and Financial Reform.
Between 2000 and 2006, she worked with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. Her tenure in the Maharashtra government saw her lead critical initiatives for public health, particularly focusing on women, children, and adolescent well-being. Saunik spearheaded campaigns like the Right to Womanhood and the Right to Motherhood, ensuring better healthcare access. Her work in financial reform and public administration stands as a testament to her leadership and dedication.
ARCHANA RAMASUNDARAM : FIRST WOMAN CHIEF OF A PARAMILITARY FORCE
Archana Ramasundaram, a 1980-batch IPS officer, shattered barriers by becoming the first woman Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). A former head of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), she dedicated 37 years to law enforcement.
Holding a master’s degree in Criminology from the University of Southern California, Ramasundaram’s career saw her rise to senior ranks in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as an Additional Director—the first woman to do so. Though her CBI appointment was legally challenged, she remained undeterred, continuing to break new ground. Her career is a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity.
NINA SINGH : RAJASTHAN’S FIRST WOMAN DIRECTOR GENERAL
Nina Singh, a 1989 batch IPS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, became the first woman Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Having previously served as Rajasthan’s DG and Special DG of CISF, her expertise spans economic research, civil rights, and anti-human trafficking.
A graduate of Patna Women’s College and Jawaharlal Nehru University, Singh pursued a master’s in public administration from Harvard University. She has been instrumental in designing outreach programs for women’s rights and has co-authored research with Nobel laureates Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo. Her career exemplifies a blend of academic excellence and administrative acumen.
NIRUPAMA RAO : A DIPLOMAT WHO REDEFINED INDIAN FOREIGN POLICY
Nirupama Menon Rao, a 1973 batch IFS officer, left an indelible mark on Indian diplomacy. She served as India’s Foreign Secretary (2009–2011) and as Ambassador to the United States, China, and Sri Lanka.
Rao’s career was filled with firsts—she was the second woman to hold the position of Foreign Secretary and the first female spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs. Her tenure as Ambassador to China and the U.S. was crucial in strengthening diplomatic ties. With postings in Moscow, Washington, D.C., and Peru, her contributions to Indian foreign policy are unparalleled.
RINA MITRA : BREAKING BARRIERS IN INTERNAL SECURITY
Rina Mitra, a 1983-batch IPS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been a pioneering force in internal security and law enforcement. Currently serving as Chief Commissioner of the West Bengal Right to Public Service Commission, she has held key positions in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Border Security Force (BSF).
With a rich background in criminology and forensic sciences, Mitra has led several institutions, including the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) and the National Institute of Criminology. She was also Special Secretary (Internal Security) at the Ministry of Home Affairs, playing a crucial role in national security policies. Her academic achievements include an MPhil from the National Defence College.
The stories of these exceptional women reflect the remarkable strides female officers have made in the Indian civil service. Their leadership in governance, law enforcement, diplomacy, and security serves as an inspiration for countless aspiring women. They have not only broken stereotypes but have also reshaped the perception of women in positions of power.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, their journeys remind us that leadership and excellence know no gender. Their success is a beacon of hope for a future where more women take up roles in civil services, continuing to break barriers and redefine possibilities.
