SEE PICS! International Women's Day 2021: From Priyanka to Laxmi; Check out women who chose to challenge

Sushmita Sen

The first Miss Universe of India, Sushmita Sen is no less than a wonder woman. Facing all the scandals and societal pressures alone, she is a single parent to two adorable daughters whom she adopted at the time when her career was at its peak. Fighting the societal pressures when adopting two daughters was against the law, she held her ground with such grace. After her comeback to the silver screen with more than ten years, she enthralled audiences with her magical onscreen appearance and bagged many accolades such as the Filmfare award, Dadasaheb Phalke award, and more. Her famous quote, "I don't need a man to buy me diamonds, I can own them by myself" is still one of the most inspirational quotes by any celebrity.

Priyanka

Priyanka Chopra rose to fame when she won the Miss World 2000 pageant, despite being bullied several times for her appearance. Making her way to Hollywood, Priyanka has several accolades under her belt which includes Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards. She was also named one of the world's most influential people by TIME magazine and listed as one of the most powerful women by Forbes.

mary kom

Mary Kom: The five-time World Amateur Boxing Champion hailed from a small family of North East India. She is the only woman boxer to have bagged a medal in all six world championships, becoming the first Indian woman boxer to win a Gold medal in the Asian Games.

neerja

Neerja Bhanot, the 22-year-old flight attendant, who sacrificed her life while saving passengers from terrorists on board a hijacked plane is no less than an example of a 'woman who chose to challenge'.

laxmi

Laxmi, founder of NGO'Chhanv Foundation', which helps victims of acid attacks has motivated women time and again by showing them that their hard work can do wonders. The acid attack survivor has proved that there is no limit to what women can achieve in this world.