Women’s day special

For a girl child: Ever since the birth of Aaradhya, the Bachchan family has extended its support to the protection of girl child with more vigour and enthusiasm. And mom Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been very vocal about the need to support the girl child. Aishwarya is also the international Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS.

This Women's day, here's a look into the lives of women who have contributed significantly in their sphere of work.

Sporting Women: Saina Nehwal, Mary Kom and Sania Mirza have changed the face of sports for women in India. Saina is the first Indian to win a medal in Badminton at the Olympics. Sania was awarded a Padma Shri for her achievements as a tennis player, While Mary Kom's claim to popularity was her Bronze medal in Flyweight in the 2012 Olympics. (PTI/Varindar Chawla)

Iron Lady of Manipur: Irom Sharmila has been on fast for about 12 years demanding repeal of controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Recently she was charged with attempting to commit suicide by a Delhi court. (PTI)

The style icons: Kareena Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor have both emerged as the style icons of of India across the globe. While Kareena's (right) style was eulogised by noted author Rochelle Pinto in 'The Style Diary of a Bollywood Diva', Sonam Kapoor (left) earned kudos for her sheer exuberance as she walked on Cannes red carpet in a Jean Paul Gaultier gown. (PTI/Reuters)

The fighter: Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani school girl who is an education activist in Pakistani province. She is known for her women's rights activism in the Swat Valley, where the Taliban had at times banned girls from attending school. On October 9 2012, Malala was shot in the head and neck in an assassination attempt by Taliban gunmen while returning home on a school bus. She is the youngest nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize in history. (Reuters)

Out in the skies: Sunita William who recently broke the record of longest spaceflight (195 days) for female space travellers is sure a shining star. She is also second on the list of most experienced US female astronauts. (Reuters)

The learned lady: Padma Shri, Padma Vibhushan Mahasweta Devi is a social activist-cum writer. She has been honoured with Ramon Magsaysay Award - Journalism, Literature, and the Creative Communication Arts. (Express Archive Photo)

Celeb with a cause: Actress Shabana Azmi has been a committed social activist, active in supporting child survival and fighting AIDS and injustice in real life. Azmi has voiced her opinion on a variety of issues using her celebrity status to emerge as a high-profile social activist. (PTI)

The first Lady: MIchelle Obama has been an advocate for of military families, helping working women balance career and family, encouraging national service, and promoting the arts and arts education. She has also extended efforts towards healthy eating via 'Let's Move'mission. (AP Photo)