Devaki Jain, Economist and Writer
Economist and Writer

Devaki Jain

Born 1 January 1933 · verify

Awarded Padma Bhushan in 2006 for contributions to feminist economics and women's empowerment.

Devaki Jain is an Indian economist and writer, who has worked mainly in the field of feminist economics. In 2006 she was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award from Government of India, for her contribution to social justice and the empowerment of women.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Devaki Jain coined the term "feminization of poverty" to highlight how women disproportionately face poverty, a concept that reshaped feminist economics globally.

The Story

1
In 1953, Devaki Jain secured three gold medals at Mysore University for topping in Mathematics, English, and overall performance, a feat that marked her early brilliance before she attended Oxford’s St Anne's College for Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.
2
🌍 From 1969, Jain transitioned from Delhi University teaching to global feminist economics, founding the Institute of Social Studies Trust in New Delhi, directing it until 1994, and editing pivotal works like Indian Women for International Women's Year.
3In 2006, the Government of India awarded her the Padma Bhushan, recognizing her work on feminist economics and her groundbreaking introduction of the term "feminization of poverty" to describe women's disproportionate experience of poverty.
4🌿 Deeply influenced by Gandhian philosophy, Jain’s research emphasized democratic decentralization and people-centered development, linking economic justice with women’s rights across local, national, and international arenas.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1953, Devaki Jain won three gold medals at Mysore University simultaneously in Mathematics, English, and Overall Performance, demonstrating a rare cross-disciplinary academic excellence.

🖼️

Through the Years

2 photographs from the archives
Devaki Jain receiving the Padma Bhushan from President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in New Delhi (2006).
Devaki Jain receiving the Padma Bhushan from President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in New Delhi (2006).
2006
Devaki Jain portrait photograph taken in 2011.

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Mysore, India
Devaki Jain was born to M. A. Sreenivasan, a minister in the Princely State of Mysore and Dewan of Gwalior.
1933
📚
Education
Graduated with triple gold medals
Jain graduated from Mysore University with gold medals in Mathematics, English, and Overall Performance.
1953
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Career
Left Delhi University teaching post
Ended her tenure teaching economics at Delhi University and expanded feminist economic activism.
1969
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Career
Ended directorship at ISST
Concluded her role as director of the Institute of Social Studies Trust, which she had founded.
1994
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Career
Contributed to UN Human Development Report
Served on UNDP Advisory Panel for the 1997 Human Development Report on Poverty.
1997
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received the third-highest civilian award in India for contributions to social justice and women's empowerment.
2006
📖
Publication
Published key UN feminist economics book
Released Women, Development, and the UN, chronicling women's impact on UN policies over six decades.
2020
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 05
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Devaki Jain was a member of the South Commission, founded by former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere, where she engaged with African leaders on development issues during her travels across the continent in the late 20th century.

02 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Her 2006 Padma Bhushan award citation specifically cited her contribution to social justice and women’s empowerment through feminist economics, highlighting her role in shaping India’s gender policies.

03 / 05
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Devaki Jain’s academic and activist work was strongly influenced by Gandhian philosophy, particularly its emphasis on equity and decentralized democracy, which she applied to feminist economic thought.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Devaki Jain- Eighty years is not enough
·YouTube
More from this archive
Devaki Jain- Eighty years is not enough
01
Devaki Jain- Eighty years is not enough
YouTube
Vichaara Dhaara 2 - Devaki Jain (Feminism and Philosophy : Conjoint Twins?)
02
Vichaara Dhaara 2 - Devaki Jain (Feminism and Philosophy : Conjoint Twins?)
YouTube
Women Writers Fest Panel 2 - The Brass Notebook
03
Women Writers Fest Panel 2 - The Brass Notebook
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Devaki Jain’s work fundamentally altered how economists and policymakers recognize women’s unpaid labor and its economic value, influencing UN gender policies and national development frameworks. The Institute of Social Studies Trust became a hub for feminist economic research under her leadership, and her contributions helped embed economic justice within broader social reform movements across India and internationally.

💬 Social Buzz

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