Throughout history, women have made monumental impacts on society and the world, even though their stories have often been overlooked. From brave civil rights activists to prolific writers, female figures have left their mark on the world in a variety of ways.
To celebrate the accomplishments of inspiring women who have changed the course of history, here are 10 remarkable women who have made a lasting impact.
1. Malala Yousafzai: A Nobel Prize Winner with a Powerful Message
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize winner in history. At age 15, she survived a Taliban attack for her activism. She has since become a global advocate for girls’ education and women’s rights, and her work has been recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize.
2. Rosa Parks: The Iconic Civil Rights Activist
Rosa Parks is an iconic civil rights activist and a symbol of the US civil rights movement. In 1955, she famously refused to give up her seat in the front of a bus to a white person, setting off a chain of events that led to the Montgomery bus boycott and the desegregation of public buses. Her courage and conviction have made her a symbol of resistance for generations of activists.
3. Marie Curie: A Pioneering Scientist
Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist who made significant contributions to the fields of chemistry and physics. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first person to win two Nobel Prizes. She was also the first woman to be honored with a professorship at the University of Paris. Curie’s discoveries laid the groundwork for the development of X-rays and radioactivity, and her research helped shape modern science.
4. Margaret Sanger: An Advocate for Women’s Reproductive Rights
Margaret Sanger was an American birth control activist and the founder of the American Birth Control League, which eventually became Planned Parenthood. Sanger was a vocal advocate for women’s reproductive rights and access to contraception, and her work paved the way for the legalization of birth control in the United States.
5. Sojourner Truth: A Fearless Abolitionist
Sojourner Truth was an African-American abolitionist and women’s rights activist. She was a fearless advocate for the rights of African Americans and women, and her “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech is one of the most iconic pieces of literature from the 19th century.
6. Amelia Earhart: An Aviation Pioneer
Amelia Earhart was an American aviation pioneer and the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Earhart was a fearless aviator and a vocal advocate for female pilots, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of female fliers.
7. Harriet Tubman: An Iconic Abolitionist
Harriet Tubman was an African-American abolitionist and humanitarian who escaped slavery and became a leader in the Underground Railroad. Tubman was a brave and fearless leader who helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom, and her courage and conviction have made her an iconic figure in US history.
8. Susan B. Anthony: A Champion of Women’s Rights
Susan B. Anthony was an American social reformer and suffragist who was a vocal advocate for women’s rights. She was a leader in the women’s suffrage movement and a prominent figure in the fight for gender equality. Her work helped pave the way for women to gain the right to vote in the United States.
9. Maya Angelou: A Poet, Activist, and Icon
Maya Angelou was an American poet, author, civil rights activist, and iconic figure. She was a powerful voice for women, African-Americans, and the LGBTQ community, and her work has left an indelible mark on literature and civil rights.
10. Jane Goodall: A Conservationist and Animal Rights Activist
Jane Goodall is an English primatologist, conservationist, and animal rights activist. She is best known for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, and her work has helped raise awareness of the importance of conservation and animal rights.
These remarkable women have done incredible things to shape the course of history. From civil rights activists to pioneering scientists, their stories are an inspiration to us all. We owe a tremendous debt to these women and the countless others who have fought for justice and equality throughout history.
