Women's History Month: Activists, scholars and leaders with legacies preserved in our archives

To celebrate Women’s History Month 2024, we are looking at the lives of some of the influential women documented in the archives and special collections held by SOAS. 

The SOAS Library Special Collections opens its doors to showcase some of the fascinating stories of prominent women preserved within. Here is a selection of four distinguished women from our archives, manuscripts, and rare book collections who left an indelible mark recorded in history.

Advocate for modern midwifery and children’s well-being

Semane Setlhoko Khama (1881-1937) was a prominent political leader of the BaNgwato of the Bechuanaland Protectorate, now Botswana. She was the wife of Khama III and a key figure in advocating for modern midwifery and children’s well-being. Semane’s personal history, like that of many women, is perhaps more hidden in the archives than that of her husband and son, but evidence of her achievements can be found amongst the materials.

Semane’s personal history, like that of many women, is perhaps more hidden in the archives than that of her husband and son, but evidence of her achievements can be found amongst the materials. 

Among her many roles, she was a teacher, a committed Christian and a temperance advocate. Semane expanded women's church membership and activism, pioneering women's leadership in the church. Her legacy can be seen in the high levels of contemporary women’s education, employment, and political activism in Botswana, as well as the continued significance of women’s church groups and the temperance movement. 

Indian scholar, feminist, educator and social reformer

Pandita Ramabai Sarasvati, born Ramabai Dongre, was a high-caste Brahmin. Orphaned at the age of 16 during the Great Famine (1876–78), she travelled across India reciting Sanskrit scriptures. After her husband's death, she founded the Arya Mahila Samaj in Pune, a society of high-caste Hindu women working for the education of girls and against child marriage.

Ramabai also testified before the Hunter Commission, advocating for women's education in India. She suggested that teachers be trained, women school inspectors be appointed, and that Indian women should be admitted to medical colleges. Ramabai’s evidence created a great sensation and reached Queen Victoria. In time, it also contributed to the beginnings of the Women’s Medical Movement (Countess of Dufferin Fund), which aimed to improve women’s healthcare in India.

When famine and plague struck the central Indian provinces in the late 1890s, she turned her attention to the housing and education of famine victims, touring the villages of Maharashtra and rescuing thousands of outcast children, child widows, orphans, and other destitute women and bringing them to the shelter of Mukti and Sharada Sadan. By 1900 there were 1,500 residents in the Mukti mission. The Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission is still active today, providing housing, education and vocational training for vulnerable groups of girls and women. The Marathi word ‘mukti’ means freedom, liberation and salvation.

A pioneering ruler in 19th-century India 

Sikandar Begum, Nawab of Bhopal (1816-1868), stands as a pioneering female ruler in 19th-century India. Leading Bhopal for 21 years, she enacted reforms, modernising administration and advancing women's education. She was an effective, reform-oriented administrator who strongly supported girls’ education. She founded the Victoria School in the centre of Bhopal to provide poor Hindu and Muslim girls with basic academic skills and technical training in various trades. 

Nawab Sikandar Begum wielded power in the doubly challenging context of a patriarchal system confronted by British colonial rule. She was the second of four female rulers to reign for more than a century over the State of Bhopal. Her leadership during the 1857 Indian Rebellion and subsequent reconstruction efforts were notable. SOAS Special Collections house a manuscript, long thought to be lost, entitled Tārīkh-i safar-i Makkah, detailing Sikandar Begum’s journey to Mecca in 1280 AH (1863-1864 AD), written in Urdu in 1284 AH (1867 AD). This manuscript offers insight into her life and times as a leader.

An artist painting her experiences in Algeria

Lilias Trotter (1853-1928), founder of the Algiers Mission Band, was born in London to a Christian family. Deepening her faith in her twenties, she ministered among disadvantaged women in London. Trotter, praised by John Ruskin for her artistic talent, struggled to balance her art with Christian ministry. 

Feeling called to serve in North Africa, she founded the Algiers Mission Band in 1907, ministering to women and children. Trotter's love of art persisted, producing beautifully illustrated literature during her 40 years in Algeria. SOAS Special Collections house papers of the Algiers Mission Band, including Trotter's diary and artworks.

Attend our open day

SOAS Library Special Collections invites all SOAS students and staff to an Open Day on Monday 18 March 2024, between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. Head to the Special Collections Reading Room (L66) Library Level F to explore a curated display of materials celebrating women's contributions throughout history, including letters, memoirs, photographs, and more. 

Our team will be on hand to answer questions and assist with research enquiries. Don't miss this opportunity to uncover diverse stories and delve into women's history. All are welcome to pop in during the day and if you have any questions, please contact us at special.collections@soas.ac.uk.