Renowned social worker Dr V Mohini Giri, who passed away at the age of 85 on December 20, has left behind a legacy of stellar work in women’s rights.

The Padma Bhushan awardee was the Chair of the National Commission for Women (NCW) (1995–1998) and of the Central Social Welfare Board. Dr Mohini was the Chairperson of the Guild of Service, a New Delhi–based social service organization that works for women’s and children’s rights in education, employment, and financial security.

She founded the War Widows Association in 1972. She was also the Chairperson of the Guild of Service, a New Delhi–based social service organization, which provides advocacy for women’s and children’s rights in the realms of education, employment, and financial security. For her efforts in the field of women’s rights, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2007.

Summarizing the loss, the Guild of Service released a statement, “Dr Giri has been an icon of the women’s movement with her strong advocacy for a gender-just world. Guided by her vision, the Guild runs shelter homes, family counseling centers, capacity-building centers, and schools for underprivileged children in Delhi, Rajasthan, Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh. It is her pioneering efforts that highlighted the unique vulnerabilities widows face, bringing national and international focus to the issue. She worked voluntarily, selflessly walking the many extra miles and touching the lives of thousands of women both directly and indirectly.”

Reaching out to groups across caste, creed, and religion, Dr. Mohini was also the founder and trustee of Women’s Initiative for Peace in South Asia, trustee of Navdanya, trustee of Justice Sunanda Bhandare Foundation and trustee of Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA).