Historical Women we should All know about.
Though some would like us not to know, throughout history women really have played a pivotal role in shaping the world we live in. From defying societal norms to breaking barriers and making ground breaking discoveries, these historical women have left an indelible mark on society. And that’s why we fundamentally believe you should know who they are. Their stories serve as a reminder of the immense strength, resilience, and determination that women possess. Here, we want to celebrate these extraordinary women who have paved the way for generations to come – to remind you that as a woman, you genuinely can be just like them.
Frances Perkins / 1880-1965
A trailblazer in US politics, Frances Perkins made history as the first woman to serve on the US Cabinet. As a member of the Democratic party and Secretary of Labour under President Franklin D. Roosevelt between 1933 to 1945 (the longest for anyone in that position), she championed workers' rights and played a crucial role in the implementation of major reforms, including the Social Security Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. She was a crucial asset to social security, making sure the development of trade unions was securely establish and helped in mediating strike action. And, of course, she was a huge advocate for women’s suffrage during her time at Columbia, earning her Masters in Political Science. Perkins' pioneering achievements in workers rights and conditions and much, much more shattered glass ceilings and advanced gender equality in US government.
Alexandra David-Néel / 1868-1969
Exploring the forbidden worlds, Alexandra David-Néel, from Belgium and France, defied societal expectations by embarking on a daring journey into Lhasa, Tibet to learn about Buddhism and the secretive community's culture. This was at a time when this specific journey was forbidden to foreigners. As the first Western woman to enter Lhasa, she navigated dangerous paths and gained invaluable insights into Tibetan spirituality. Beyond this, she explored a lot of the Eastern world including China, Japan and Korea in around 1918 to 1921. She wrote numerous books on her experience within these religious communities and her early life experiences of social injustices, such as ‘‘Sous Nuées d’Orages” and “Textes Tibétains inédits” which includes an anthology of Tibetan literature completely unknown at the time. Her exploration and documentation of Tibetan life and Buddhism opened doors for cultural understanding and religious tolerance which was completely unheard of, and really pushed western, societal boundaries.
Martha Gellhorn / 1908-1998
Shattering gender norms in journalism Martha Gellhorn made history as one of the few female 20th century war correspondents during a period when journalism was predominantly male-dominated. She pretty much reported on every major or significant war - from WW2 to the Spanish Civil War. She was utterly fearless and driven, also becoming an active member of the pacifist movement, writing about her experiences in her 1934 book “What Mad Pursuit”. In the 1930s, she was one of the few actually reporting on sexual harassment and even at the age of 7, she participated in the St. Louis ‘Golden Lane’ rally for women’s suffrage in 1916. Gellhorn's incredibly powerful reporting shed light on the human stories of war, challenging gender norms and truly inspiring future generations of female journalists.
Susan Kare / 1954-present
Revolutionising computer user experience, Susan Kare is a pioneer in the world of computer graphics and design. Her work at Apple, particularly in creating intuitive and user-friendly icons and fonts for the Macintosh, drastically changed the way in which we are able to use and navigate the computer, especially for such a unique and successful technological invention. Kare's creative contributions not only shaped the development of technology but also demonstrated the significant impact women can have in the male-dominated field of tech. She is often heralded as one of the most significant designers of modern technology.
Amani Al-Khatahtbeh / 1992-present
Empowering muslim women's voices Amani Al-Khatahtbeh founded a pioneering publication called MuslimGirl.com, creating a platform for muslim women to share their stories and perspectives. Through her work, Al-Khatahtbeh has challenged stereotypes, fostered inclusivity, and empowered Muslim women worldwide, with her website garnering over a million views on a regular basis. This lead to the creation of Muslim Women’s Day in 2017, to increase representation of muslim women throughout all media outlets. Her dedication to amplifying marginalised voices is a testament to the power of media in promoting understanding and breaking down barriers.
Mary McLeod Bethune / 1875-1955
Activist for education and Civil Rights, Mary McLeod Bethune, a prominent African American educator, served as a key member of FDR's Black Cabinet and dedicated her life to advocating for educational opportunities and civil rights. She founded the ‘National Council of Negro Women’ in 1935 with its groundbreaking magazine ‘Aframerican Women’s Journal’. As well as this, through her leadership, Bethune established Bethune-Cookman University which initially focused on educating young black girls from 1904 and became co-educational in 1923. and fought tirelessly against racial inequality. Her contributions continue to inspire generations of activists working towards social justice.
Rosalind Franklin / 1920- 1958
Often an unrecognised DNA pioneer, Rosalind Franklin's groundbreaking work played a pivotal role in the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. She’s best known for her work specifically in X-ray crystallography, which is the study diffraction of images of DNA itself which she focused on while working at King’s College London. Despite her significant contributions, Franklin's work during her lifetime was overshadowed and her name often omitted from the recognition given to her male colleagues. Her story highlights the importance of acknowledging the overlooked contributions of women in scientific advancements, especially in consideration to the fact that many in the field now acknowledge that she should have been included on the Nobel Prize awarded for the discovery of DNA.
Maryam Mirzakhani / 1977-2017
Maryam Mirzakhani was an Iranian-born mathematician who gained internation acclaim for her groundbreaking contributions to the field. Mirzakhani’s pursued her education to the top universities, including Harvard and Standford, where she earned her Ph.D. Her significant achievement. in the area of hyperbolic geometry and complex dynamics led her to become the first woman to win the prestigious Fields Medal - often referred to as the Nobel Prize of Mathematics. Her career serves as an incredibly strong inspiration to aspiring female mathematicians and her legacy will continue for decades.
These historical women serve as some beacons of inspiration, reminding us of the incredible contributions and sacrifices made by women throughout history. We could write about pages and pages of women who are equally as incredible and groundbreaking, but we hope this list serves as a tip of the iceberg to how much women have really achieved. Their stories showcase the power of resilience, courage, and determination in shaping a more equitable and inclusive world. By celebrating and remembering these extraordinary women, we empower ourselves and future generations to continue their legacy of progress and change.
