International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

A Woman with a Stethoscope: Exploring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Jamini Sen

In the late nineteenth century, the intersection of colonial policies, social reform, and nationalist aspirations led to growing concern about women’s health in India. Social constraints such as purdah and the seclusion of women in the zenana made access to medical care particularly difficult, prompting a demand for indigenous women physicians. This paper examines the life and contributions of Dr. Jamini Sen, one of the earliest Indian women doctors trained both in India and abroad. It traces her educational journey, including her distinction as the first woman to receive a prestigious medical degree from Glasgow University, and explores her work in advancing women’s healthcare across India while combating male domination and racial discrimination.