Ila Pathak (23 May 1933 – 9 January 2014) was a feminist crusader and activist for women’s rights in India and abroad. Fondly known as Ilaben, along her journey that spanned over three decades, she campaigned and fought against oppressive and discriminatory issues pertaining to various forms of violence against women that plagued the Indian milieu. Having founded Ahmedabad Women’s Action Group (AWAG) in 1981, at the age of 48 years and also having served as a member on the Boards of various feminist organizations and networks, Ilaben worked untiringly to etch paths for the discriminated, the poor and the deprived women communities. She urged and supported women to stand up and raise their voice against violence and oppressive structures.
In her words, “Silence Is Not A Virtue; Break The Silence Of Oppression.” Her journey has been one of bouquets and brickbats, but that did not deter her from pursuing her goal of empowering and liberating women from the shackles of patriarchal oppression. With a Ph.D in English Literature and a Bachelors Degree in Law, Ila Pathak was not just a professor, she was also a pioneer: a pioneer for women’s rights.
Ilaben’s contribution was across multifarious fields spanning from Social Activism to Development Training to Social Research, by virtue of which she served and held eminent positions in various regional, national and international entities. With her unshakable grit, Dr Ila Pathak was honoured various awards.
The passing away of Dr. Ila Pathak due to breast cancer on 9th January 2014 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat has left an irreplaceable loss of a dedicated social activist who committed her life and gave strength to several weak, deprived and traumatized women.
Nonetheless, she will always remain in our hearts and serve as a driving force to continue AWAG’s Struggle for Equality.