Women have been influential in leading change and progress throughout history, but their impact has often been overshadowed by their male counterparts. To honor their contribution and celebrate the progress women have made through the years, it is helpful to learn about the most influential women in history. This article explores the major female figures who have impacted our society through their actions and accomplishments.
Oprah Winfrey – A Cultural Phenomenon
One of the most influential women of modern times is media mogul Oprah Winfrey. A self-made billionaire, Oprah has become an international phenomenon, making her mark in the entertainment and business worlds. Her rise to fame began when she co-hosted a local TV talk show in Baltimore, and since then she has gone on to become one of the most powerful women in the world. She is best known for her award-winning talk show, which has become a bonafide cultural phenomenon, wrapping up over 25 seasons of programming. Oprah has used her platform to speak out about racism, poverty, and other issues, making a name for herself as a humanitarian and inspirational figure to millions of people.
Rosa Parks – The “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement”
Rosa Parks is one of the most iconic figures in American history. Her courage, sacrifice and refusal to give up her bus seat changed the course of the Civil Rights Movement. Parks was an African-American civil rights activist and a secretary for the NAACP. On December 1, 1955, Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus to a white passenger. She became an outspoken advocate for civil rights and her arrest sparked protests across Montgomery and helped spark the movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. Parks is remembered today as a pioneering civil rights leader, often referred to as the “mother of the civil rights movement.”
Margaret Sanger – An Advocate for Reproductive Rights
Margaret Sanger was a pioneering women’s rights advocate and a birth control revolutionary. Throughout her life, Sanger fought for access to safe, legal and affordable birth control so women could take charge of their reproductive rights. In the 1920s, she started the American Birth Control League, which eventually became Planned Parenthood. Her efforts eventually helped lead to the legalization of birth control in the U.S who, at the time, had staunchly opposed it. Sanger’s activism served as a cornerstone of the reproductive rights movement and she continues to be an icon of female empowerment today.
Mother Teresa – The Champion of the Poor
Mother Teresa is one of the most widely recognized figures in modern history and is often thought of as one of the most influential women of the 20th century. Born in what is present-day Albania, Teresa became a nun at age 18, eventually joining a convent in India. There, she dedicated her life to the service of the poor. Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a global order of nuns who provided basic necessities and services to the impoverished. Her selflessness and commitment to helping others earned her a Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and canonization as a saint of the Catholic Church in 2016.
Diana, Princess of Wales – The Style Icon and Global Humanitarian
Diana, Princess of Wales, was a beloved style icon and humanitarian who became a global superstar during her short life. She was born into British nobility but used her platform to champion causes for social and racial justice. Diana was a roving ambassador for many charities focused on health and welfare, and during her time she was referred to as “the Queen of Hearts.” She also captured the world’s attention with her glamorous style and her groundbreaking approach to fashion.
Aung San Suu Kyi – The Voice of Myanmar
Aung San Suu Kyi is the leader of Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement and is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She was born into a prominent Burmese family and came to prominence in 1990 when she won a landslide victory in Myanmar’s first ever democratic elections. Following her victory, however, the military junta placed her under house arrest. This did not deter her, and instead she continued her campaign for democracy and human rights for the people of Myanmar, earning her international acclaim as a leader for democracy and justice.
Wangari Maathai – Environmental Activist
Wangari Maathai was an environmental activist and the first African woman to win a Nobel Prize. Born in Kenya, Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, an environmental and social organization that works to improve the environment of the African continent. Throughout her career, Maathai worked to empower women and help them develop the agricultural and entrepreneurial skills to improve their lives, and she helped reclaim numerous acres of depleted forests. She won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2004 for her work in conservation.
Women have made many influential contributions throughout history, from sparking a civil rights movement to championing environmental causes. The courage and force of these women has made a lasting impression on our society and we are fortunate to recognize them and continue their legacy. The women discussed here serve as inspirations not just for their accomplishments, but for the courage and conviction with which they lived out their lives.
