Ela Bhatt : Uniting Women in India

In the midst of India's bustling economy, hundreds of thousands of poor women work in unsafe or unstable conditions for little money.

Inspired by the work of Mahatma Ghandhi, Ela Bhatt left behind her privileged upbringing to help those women.

The organisation she founded, the Self-Employed Women's Association, functions as a union for 250,000 women, operates a woman's bank, and helps empower women to help themselves.

Once a shy, sheltered young woman, Ela grew into a world leader who held on to her vision that everyone deserves respect and the chance to build a better life.

Her vision inspired poor women to join together to transform their lives -- and their world.