ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Pandita Ramabai

Pandita Ramabai was a very important woman who lived a long time ago in India. When she was a little girl, her family was very poor and her dad was a priest, which meant he didn't make a lot of money. Unfortunately, Pandita Ramabai's dad died when she was young, so it was up to her and her mom to take care of the family.

Pandita Ramabai loved to learn, but back then, girls weren't allowed to go to school. So, she taught herself how to read and write and soon became very smart. She could even speak several different languages!

When she grew up, Pandita Ramabai became really famous for helping other women who were in trouble. Some of these women were widows (which means their husbands had died), and back then, they weren't treated very well. They couldn't remarry, and some people didn't think they should be allowed to do anything.

Pandita Ramabai started a place called the Mukti Mission where these women could go for help. She gave them a safe place to live and taught them how to read and write. She also helped them learn skills so they could support themselves.

Pandita Ramabai was such an amazing woman that people all over the world knew about her. She even traveled to other countries to talk about what she was doing for these women. She is still remembered today as a hero for women's rights and education.