We often hear about well-known women who have changed the course of history—those whose names resonate globally and whose accomplishments are widely celebrated. Inspiring figures like Kamala Haris, the first female African American and first Asian-American to become a vice-president and the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history. Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, aiming to provide a deserving education for girls everywhere, and Michelle Obama, the first African American women to serve as First Lady. Many among these women have rightfully earned their place in the spotlight.
But what about the lesser-known heroines? Women whose contributions have been quietly impactful, yet often overlooked in the past. Among many woman, these unsung heroines were one of the first to defy the norms and leave a lasting imprint on history.
1. Aphra Behn
Via: https://en.wikipedia.org/aphra-behn
In an era when literature was dominated by men, Aphra Behn courageously shattered cultural barriers. Her first play, The Forc’d Marriage, was performed in 1670, marking her as the first professional women playwright. She is the first English women to earn a living through writing, some of her works includes, The Rover, Abdelazer, and The Emperor of the Moon. At a time when women’s voices were often suppressed, her words influenced others through fiction such as, Oroonoko and The Fair Jilt inspiring generations of women to express themselves through literature. Behn’s visuality and output left an indelible mark on literature.
2. Mary Anning
Via: https://phys.org/mary-anning
Mary Anning, a pioneering fossil collector and paleontologist, lived in the early 19th century—a time when women’s contributions to science were often overlooked. Anning dedicated her life to studying fossils and unearthed many discoveries, including the first correctly identified ichthyosaur skeleton (an extinct marine reptile) in early 1810. Her groundbreaking findings of prehistorical secrets helped us advance our understanding of life on earth.
3. Sojourner Truth
Via: https://www.history.com/sojourner-truth
Born into slavery, Sojourner Truth gained her freedom in the 1820s. She became the first African American women to win a legal case against a white man. She is an advocate for the end of slavery and women’s rights, she traveled extensively delivering powerful persuasive speeches that challenged gender and racial stereotypes. Her ability to connect with people on a personal level brought many alike closer. Her famous speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?” in 1851 remained a powerful moment, emphasizing her humanity, and challenging racism within the feminist movement itself.
4. Golda Meir
Via: https://www.thenation.com/golda-meir
Golda Meir became the first female prime minister of Israel, serving from 1969 to 1974. As a foreign minister from 1956 to 1966, she played a crucial role in negotiating with the British mandatory authorities, emerging as a forceful spokesperson for the Zionist cause and worked tirelessly to secure Jewish rights and immigration to Israel.
5. Valentina Tereshkova
Via: https://www.theguardian.com/valentina-tereshkova
A Soviet cosmonaut, Valentina Tereshkova, made history as the first women to travel into space in 1963, orbiting Earth 48 times aboard the spacecraft Vostok 6: a significant milestone for women in space exploration. Despite having no formal training, she volunteered for the cosmonaut program and became an amateur parachutist in 1962. Her advocacy extended beyond space exploration to promoting women’s rights and gender equality as she was an active member of the U.S.S.R. Supreme Soviet (legislature) from 1966 to 1991. She was named a Hero of the Soviet Union and was twice awarded the Order of Lenin. Her mission demonstrated that women were equally capable of space exploration, challenging gender norms and inspiring future generations of female astronauts.
6. Florence Nightingale
Via: https://www.history.com/florence-nightingale
During the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale organized care for wounded soldiers, significantly reducing death rates through improved hygiene and living conditions in the mid-19th century. Her tireless efforts focused on healthcare, saved countless lives, and highlighted the vital role of nursing as a profession. Although her contributions were practical and behind-the-scenes, her legacy laid the groundwork for shaping healthcare practices worldwide.
7. Ruby Bridges
Via: https://www.cnn.com/ruby-bridges
During the time of segregation in the 1960s, Ruby became the first African American child, at the age of six, to attend an all-white elementary school named William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was escorted by federal marshals to ensure her safety at school as she faced challenges and protests from angry crowds. Ruby’s courage and her parents’ bravery and persistence helped break down society barriers and promote fairness in education, inspiring others and symbolizing the fight against racial discrimination. Her story remains a testament to the power of standing up for justice and equal opportunities.
8. Shirley Chrisholm
Via: https://www.thenation.com/shirkey-chisholm
Shirley Chrisholm was the first African American women elected to Congress in 1968. Her election to the House of Representatives marked a historic moment, breaking racial and gender barriers in American politics. Later, she became one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1969. She made history again by becoming the first Black women of a major party to run for a presidential nomination in 1972. Her groundbreaking legacy continues to inspire women in politics, challenging gender, and racial barriers.
9. Tookoolito
Via: https://www.atlasobscura.com/tookoolito
Born in 1838 in the Northwest Territories of Canada (now known as Nunavut), Tookoolito was the first Indigenous female to travel to England on a merchant ship around 1851. She learned many things including the English language and met with Queen Victoria. Tookoolito became an Inuk translator and embarked on an expedition to North Pole. She significantly contributed to people’s knowledge of the North during the 19th century.
10. Bella Abzug
Via: https://www.washingtonblade.com/bella-abzug
A lawyer and politician, Bella Abzug won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970 for New York City’s 19th district. Her presence in Congress allowed her the ability to advocate for women’s rights and other progressive causes, such as environmental issues and peace. She became a founder and chair of several of the country’s first and foremost liberal political organizations. She supported the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), aiming to achieve equal rights for all citizens regardless of gender. Abzug also supported women’s credit-rights bill to ensure equal access to credit and financial services for women and advocated for abortion rights. She worked on legislation to improve child-care services for working parents. Abzug’s boldness, determination and commitment left an indelible mark on U.S, politics.
11. Sirimavo Bandaranaike
Via: https://aaps.space/sirimavo-bandaranaike
Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the world’s first female prime minister of Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka) serving in the 1960s. She led her party to victory in the general election, which marked a historical moment, breaking gender barriers and demonstrating that women could lead and govern effectively. While serving, she supported socialist economic policies and emphasized neutrality in international relations. By the mid-1960s, she faced challenges and resounding defeats but returned in the 1970s to regain power. She pursued radical policies including restricting free enterprise, nationalizing industries, and carried out land reforms. Her legacy as a trailblazer continues to inspire progress and change in Sri Lanka.
Heroism comes in various forms, and these historical women from the past influenced and shaped our world through their actions, advocacy, and achievements. Their courage, determination, and compassion continue to inspire us to break barriers, challenge norms, and create a positive change in the world.
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