Throughout history, many incredible women have changed the world from different backgrounds, educational experiences and all have left an indelible mark on society. Here are nine inspiring women who have influenced generations and have made their mark in the world for centuries. They have been winners in the fight for gender equality and have been brave enough to take on challenging roles to make a difference.
They have gone through incredible accomplishments, have shown strength and have supercharged the diversity movement. These inspiring women have been leaders, fighters and have made sure their voices were heard.
Aimee Mullins
Athlete, actress, and public speaker Aimee Mullins has broken barriers her whole life to accomplish her incredible goals. Born without fibulas in both of her legs, doctors told her parents she was not able to walk. Being an athlete was only a dream until Aimee received prosthetic legs. From there she competed in the 1996 Paralympic Games, set two world records and earned the title of ‘The Fastest Woman on Artificial Legs.’ She also had a notable career as an actress, appearing in high-levels commercial’s such as Nike, St. John and Levis. As a public speaker, Aimee has also used her unique platform to make a difference in the fight for gender equality.
Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem is a journalist, author, and leader of the second wave of feminism. She is most famously known for her essay, Ms Magazine, and her instrumental role in reigniting the movement in the United States. She was also a key player in the formation of the National Women’s Political Caucus and was a founding member of the abortion and abortion rights group, the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws. Through her work, Gloria was able to rally women and make her voice heard worldwide. She has since become an incredible advocate for female empowerment.
Simone de Beauvoir
Simone de Beauvoir was a French philosopher and feminist writer whose writing was significant from the 1950s to the 1970s.Her book, The Second Sex, has been praised for its immense impact on gender roles and feminist perspectives.In it, she argued that there is not just one gender, but two –one is socially constructed, while the other gender is biological.Simone also wrote other books such as She Came to Stay, The Mandarins, and several other works of philosophy. Her writings on feminism and gender equality have been instrumental in the advancement of both in the modern world.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, also known as RBG, was a key figure in the feminist movement and served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until her death in 2020. In addition to her sure trialist approach, Ruth significantly advanced gender equality in the United States. Before serving on the Supreme Court, she founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union and was instrumental in winning important cases regarding gender equality. As a result of her work, women in the United States have more autonomy and standing than ever before.
Clara Barton
Clara Barton, who is often called the “Angel of the Battlefield,” was a passionate nurse and founder of the American Red Cross. Despite being born into a family of modest means, she was determined and achieved her goal of becoming a nurse. During the Civil War, she became a volunteer nurse on the battlefield and served for four years, caring for the wounded. When she returned to the United States, she founded the American Red Cross to help those in need. Through her groundbreaking work and the founding of the Red Cross, Clara changed the way in which society provides help to those in need.
Mary Wollstonecraft
Mary Wollstonecraft is one of the earliest feminist philosophers and authors whose works have greatly influenced our modern understanding of gender equality and the rights of women. In her most influential work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, she argued that women should have equal educational opportunities and that they should play an important role in forming their societies. Mary also wrote History of the Rights of Women, An Historical and Moral View of the French Revolution, and many other works of literature. All of these works have greatly contributed to the advancement of gender equality and women’s rights and her influence is still felt today.
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa, an Albanian-born missionary and the founder of the Missionaries of Charity is perhaps one of the most inspirational women in the world. After moving to India, Mother Teresa felt the needs of the people, founded the Missionaries of Charity and devoted her life to helping the poor, sick and neglected. Her dedication to the cause led her to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and be declared a saint by Pope Francis in 2016. She is an amazing example of selflessness and will be remembered for generations for her tireless dedication to helping others.
Elizabeth Blackwell
Elizabeth Blackwell is widely recognized as being the first female doctor in the United States. Having gone through significant educational hurdles, Elizabeth pushed through and became the first woman to be accepted into a medical school. After completing her medical degree, she opened her own practice and over the years, succeeded in the medical profession by writing about gynecology, setting up the first women’s health clinic, and writing the book, The Laws of Life. Through her accomplishments, she motivated many other female doctor-hopefuls and proved to the world that she deserved the right to practice medicine as much as any man.
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman is widely known as one of the greatest advocates for the end of slavery in the United States. Her slave name was Araminta and after she escaped slavery in 1849, she changed her name to Harriet. She devoted her life to helping other slaves escape to freedom by setting up the Underground Railroad and made at least 19 trips to help around 300 people. Harriet also became a spy for the Union Army during the Civil War and was an active member of the Suffragette Movement. For her courageous acts and her unwavering commitment to the cause, she will will never be forgotten.
History is full of inspiring women who have changed the world and have made an indelible impact not only in their lives but also in the lives of others. From athletes to academics, these nine inspiring women stand out for their determination, courage, and their commitment to ensuring that other women’s voices will be heard for generations to come. It is through their strength, dedication, and willingness to stand up for what they believe in, that these inspiring women have been able to leave a lasting impact and continue to serve as role models for people everywhere.