Remarkable Women Who Shaped History:
Women have been at the forefront of changing the world. Time and time again, women have proven that they are competent, dedicated, strong individuals capable of doing whatever they set their minds to. When it comes to the educational world, we’ve seen remarkable efforts being made to shine the spotlight on women. Women have earned and gained positive acknowledgment by shifting the mindset that they too, can succeed and build influential careers across different paths of life. Let’s take a path down memory lane and remember the great women who left a mark on society.
Harriet Tubman: After being born into slavery, Harriet Tubman saw a better future for herself and others, and declared freedom through the Underground Railroad in 1849. Harriet attempted multiple missions to rescue and escape enslaved people. She helped many slaves escape and was determined to spread her freedom, and for that, she was rewarded for her influential impact.
Iceni Boudicca: Iceni was an ancient British queen of the Celtic tribe who revolted against the Roman army after refusing to settle for their oppressive rule. Determined as she was, Boudicca gathered her people and fought in an uprise against the unruly Roman forces that wanted to overcome them. Regarded as a hero of England, Iceni inspired millions.
Flora Drummond: In 1906, Flora Drummond became a leader of the Women’s Social and Political Union to advocate for women’s rights to vote. She organized and led marches and demonstrations for the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Her suffragette act encouraged and empowered others, and eventually broke the norm and granted women the right to vote in 1918.
Noor Inayat Khan: Noor Inayat was a British secret agent who contributed to a brave act during World War Two, where she disguised herself as a wireless operator and transmitted intelligence to help the French Resistance. Inayat made history and was awarded the George Cross medal as an appreciation for her heroic service and impact.
Rosa Parks: In 1955, Rosa Parks was given the title “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement” when she took a stance and refused to give up her seat to a white man on a bus. Parks was a true activist and declared the Montgomery Bus Boycott, where it took place, and drove the Civil Rights Movement forward to end racism.
Malala Yousafzai: Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani education activist who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban. She advocated for girl’s education while they wanted to oppress it. Her willpower drove her to grant education to all genders. Her courageous act serves a global symbol of hope and courage for girls and women all over the world. In 2014, at just 19 years old, Yousafzai became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate for advocating the equal right to education.
Valentine Tereshkova: Valentina Tereshkova is a Russian engineer and member of the Soviet cosmonaut. In 1963, Valentina was selected to travel on a solo mission to the cosmos and train as a cosmonaut, where she spent 3 days in space. Tereshkova was the first woman to be launched into space and made 48 orbits of the Earth, giving hope to others to chase for the stars.
Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell: Dr Elizabeth was a British and American physician. In 1849, Dr. Elizabeth was awarded a medical degree for being the first woman to become a doctor. Her diligence and determination made her travel to gain more experience in France and travelled back to New York and opened the New York Infirmary for Women and Children leaving behind a trademark in history.
Ada Lovelace: Having been a curious and creative child, Ada Lovelace was always intrigued by science. She designed her own flying machine at just 12 years old. Her incredible talent led her to create a steam-powered mechanical flying horse and was the first woman to develop the first-ever computer program. Lovelace’s discoveries and contributions to the scientific world are key milestones that are truly honored to this very day.
Josephine Baker: Born loving to dance, Josephine Baker was always fascinated by dancing and performing, and was part of one of the first Broadway shows with an all-black cast. She didn’t stop there; she then traveled across borders to spread her talent so that people all around the world could appreciate it without discrimination. Baker was a symbol of the beauty of the Black American culture.
Qui Jin: Qui Jin is a Chinese revolutionary, feminist, and poet. Growing up, Qui Jin was raised in a society where Chinese women had to follow very old traditions without having the right to refuse conforming to them. To express her frustration, Qui wrote powerful poems about the challenges they faced and campaigned for women’s rights. This inspired millions of women and made her a sought-after hero in China.
Sayyida Al-Hurra: Sayyida Al-Hurra is a Moroccan pirate, known as the lady who resisted settling for any superior authority. Al-Hurra was a powerful woman and queen of Tetouan, where she ruled the Mediterranean Sea along with a group of fearsome pirates. She was such a strong and independent woman that she never let anyone tell her what to do and continued ruling for over 30 years, leaving behind a trail of empowerment.
Hatshepsut: In Ancient Egypt, Hatshepsut was the first female pharaoh who was an exceptionally powerful ruler. She ruled for about 20 years with strength and prudence, demonstrating to everyone that women could be pharaohs too. She portrayed herself as a masculine king in the form of statues as a symbolic representation that she was just as strong as any king.
What a whirlwind of awe-inspiring history. The legacy and footmark that all these women have left behind are certainly worthy of acknowledgment. These stories serve as a testament to their bravery, willpower, intelligence, determination, perseverance, and creativity. From centuries ago, and for centuries to come, women have and will continue to shape history. These women have inspired millions of other women to believe in themselves and create the most optimal life they aspire to. Let’s appreciate all the women and empower them for a better future.
