When Hena Das (born 1924) was barely 13, she joined the struggle for independence against then-undivided India's British rulers. That was the beginning of a lifelong struggle against every form of injustice. Although best known for her pioneering work in the field of gender justice, she has also been deeply involved with the communist party, farmers' rights, teachers' rights, and labor rights. At a time when stepping out of the home was virtually prohibited to women, Hena was enunciating women's empowerment and the rights of women.