Avabai Bomanji Wadia was not just a lawyer, social worker, and writer; she was a revolutionary figure in the global movement for family planning and women’s rights. Born in British Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) on September 18, 1913, she defied societal norms and dedicated her life to reproductive health advocacy.
As the founder of the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) and a key figure in the establishment of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Avabai’s impact was far-reaching. Her work laid the foundation for modern family planning policies in India and beyond. Honored with the Padma Shri in 1971, she remains an enduring symbol of empowerment and change.
Early Life and Education of Avabai Bomanji Wadia
Born into an affluent Parsi family in Colombo, Avabai had access to high-quality education from an early age. Her father, Dorabji Muncherji, worked in shipping, while her mother, Pirojbai Arsiwala Mehta, was a homemaker. At just 15, she moved to England and completed her schooling at Brondesbury and Kilburn High School in London.
Her ambition led her to the Inns of Court, where she pursued a degree in law. In 1934, she became the first Sri Lankan woman to pass the bar examinations with honors. While practicing at the High Court of Justice in London, Avabai engaged in activism through organizations like the Commonwealth Countries League and the International Alliance of Women. She interacted with Indian independence leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, experiences that would later influence her career in advocacy.
A Shift Towards Social Activism
Returning to Colombo in 1939, Avabai Bomanji Wadia practiced law at the Supreme Court before moving to Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1941. Her marriage to Bomanji Khurshedji Wadia in 1946 was short-lived, but it did not deter her from her mission. After suffering a miscarriage, she turned her focus towards family planning, a subject that was largely taboo at the time.
The Birth of a Movement: Family Planning Association of India
In 1949, Avabai Bomanji Wadia founded the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI), driven by a deep conviction that access to contraception could empower women and control overpopulation. Her relentless efforts led to family planning being included in India’s first Five-Year Plan in 1951—an unprecedented move in a developing nation.
A landmark moment came in 1952 when she organized the Third International Conference on Planned Parenthood in Mumbai. The event led to the creation of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), bringing together like-minded organizations from around the world. Avabai’s leadership helped make reproductive health a global priority.
Leading the International Planned Parenthood Federation
Avabai Bomanji Wadia’s influence extended beyond India. As the president of the IPPF from 1983 to 1989, she played a key role in securing global recognition for reproductive rights. Under her leadership, the IPPF won the United Nations Population Award in 1985 and the Third World Prize in 1987.
Throughout her career, Avabai worked closely with governments, influencing policies and advocating for better healthcare infrastructure. She served as a Justice of Peace in Bombay in 1957 and became a magistrate of the Juvenile Court in 1958. Her efforts earned her the honorary Doctor of Law degree from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati.
A Legacy of Literature and Thought Leadership
Avabai Bomanji Wadia was not only an activist but also a prolific writer. She authored numerous books and articles on family planning and social issues, including:
- Population Education for the Younger Generation
- The Role of Voluntary Organizations in Promoting Family Planning and Population Policy
- Some Careers for Women
- The Light is Ours (her memoir, published in 2001)
Her publications continue to serve as valuable resources for researchers, policymakers, and social activists.
Enduring Impact and Recognition
Even after stepping down as IPPF president in 1989, Avabai Bomanji Wadia remained an active patron of the organization until her passing in 2005. She also served as the president emeritus of FPAI, ensuring that her vision continued to thrive.
Avabai Bomanji Wadia’s contributions were widely recognized. The Government of India honored her with the Padma Shri in 1971, and her work remains an integral part of discussions on reproductive rights. The Avabai Wadia Memorial Trust continues her legacy by supporting family planning initiatives and conducting research on women’s health.
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