20 Women who shaped the world
There has never been a better time to be a woman. In much of the world, women now enjoy rights hitherto denied to them: to vote and own property, to an education and a career, and to make decisions about their own bodies. The list goes on.
There is, however, still a way to go.Around the world, startling numbers are still refused many of these rights, facing injustice and abuse in daily life. In societies that seemingly offer women equal rights, sexism perseveres as double standards, gender biases, unequal pay and objectification. Nevertheless, women today stand on the shoulders of their female predecessors, women who have fought tirelessly to uproot the entrenched ideas and inequalities they encountered.
The following timeline is our tribute, by no means exhaustive, to remarkable women who have shown the world just what they’re made of.
1897
1897
Millicent Fawcett
In 1866, aged just twenty-two, Millicent Garrett Fawcett began her life’s work leading a powerful campaign for women’s suffrage. Sixty-one years later, she had achieved her goal.
Millicent was instrumental in the campaign, leading the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS). Her intimate knowledge of the democratic process and her no-nonsense, rational thinking played a vital role in navigating their case through Parliament. Millicent preferred to distance herself from the militant and violent activities of the Pankhursts and the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) - not only were they souring the general public’s opinion of the campaign, but their violent and disruptive activities had begun to alienate the very MPs who were fighting for women’s suffrage in parliamentary debate.
In 1918, through the Representation of the People Act, 6 million British women aged over thirty won the right to vote. Millicent cited this as the happiest day of her life.
“I cannot say I became a suffragist, I always was one, from the time I was old enough to think at all about the principles of Representative Government.”
In 1866, aged just twenty-two, Millicent Garrett Fawcett began her life’s work leading a powerful campaign for women’s suffrage. Sixty-one years later, she had achieved her goal.
Millicent was instrumental in the campaign, leading the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS). Her intimate knowledge of the democratic process and her no-nonsense, rational thinking played a vital role in navigating their case through Parliament. Millicent preferred to distance herself from the militant and violent activities of the Pankhursts and the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) - not only were they souring the general public’s opinion of the campaign, but their violent and disruptive activities had begun to alienate the very MPs who were fighting for women’s suffrage in parliamentary debate
In 1918, through the Representation of the People Act, 6 million British women aged over thirty won the right to vote. Millicent cited this as the happiest day of her life.
1903
Emmeline Pankhurst
For many people, the name Emmeline Pankhurst is synonymous with the British suffrage movement. Remembered as one of the bravest and most inspirational suffrage leaders in history, Emmeline founded the militant WSPU, the Suffragettes, in 1903 and campaigned fiercely for the next 11 years. The Suffragettes were by far the most militant of campaigners: in order to demonstrate their passion and urgency, they smashed windows, set buildings alight, spent time in jail, endured extreme hunger strikes and force feeding.
At the outbreak of WWI, Emmeline called an end to militancy and negotiated the release of women imprisoned for their political activism in return for WSPU cooperation with the war effort.
Emmeline Pankhurst was the symbol of women’s struggle at the beginning of the 20th century: arrested six times between 1908 and 1912, she was a mother and wife who envisioned a world that awarded women the political representation and personhood to which they were so entitled.
Pankhurst is set to be portrayed by Meryl Streep in the upcoming film, Suffragette.
“You have to make more noise than anybody else, you have to make yourself more obtrusive than anybody else, you have to fill all the papers more than anybody else, in fact you have to be there all the time and see that they do not snow you under.”
1903
For many people, the name Emmeline Pankhurst is synonymous with the British suffrage movement. Remembered as one of the bravest and most inspirational suffrage leaders in history, Emmeline founded the militant WSPU, the Suffragettes, in 1903 and campaigned fiercely for the next 11 years. The Suffragettes were by far the most militant of campaigners: in order to demonstrate their passion and urgency, they smashed windows, set buildings alight, spent time in jail, endured extreme hunger strikes and force feeding.
At the outbreak of WWI, Emmeline called an end to militancy and negotiated the release of women imprisoned for their political activism in return for WSPU cooperation with the war effort.
Emmeline Pankhurst was the symbol of women’s struggle at the beginning of the 20th century: arrested six times between 1908 and 1912, she was a mother and wife who envisioned a world that awarded women the political representation and personhood to which they were so entitled.
Pankhurst is set to be portrayed by Meryl Streep in the upcoming film, Suffragette.
1903
1903
Marie Curie
Marie Curie, born Maria Sklodowska in Warsaw, Poland, showed immense academic promise at a young age. Unable to attend university because she was a woman, Curie studied in secret at one of Poland’s floating universities before moving to Paris to study at the Sorbonne, earning degrees in both Maths and Physics. Soon after, she was introduced to Pierre Curie, who became her husband and devoted partner in science.
Through her work, Curie is responsible for creating the field of atomic physics and even coined the term radioactivity to describe the atomic phenomena she was observing. In 1898, she and her husband discovered two new radioactive elements: polonium and radium, and in 1903, Curie became the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize in Physics. Shockingly, the organisation originally only planned to honour her male counterparts. After her husband’s death in 1906, Marie took over his post, becoming the first female professor at the Sorbonne. Finally in 1911, Curie was awarded her second Nobel Prize, this time in Chemistry for her discoveries of polonium and radium. To this day, Curie is the only woman to win two Nobel Prizes.
“I am one of those who think like Nobel, that humanity will draw more good than evil from new discoveries.”
Marie Curie, born Maria Sklodowska in Warsaw, Poland, showed immense academic promise at a young age. Unable to attend university because she was a woman, Curie studied in secret at one of Poland’s floating universities before moving to Paris to study at the Sorbonne, earning degrees in both Maths and Physics. Soon after, she was introduced to Pierre Curie, who became her husband and devoted partner in science.
Through her work, Curie is responsible for creating the field of atomic physics and even coined the term radioactivity to describe the atomic phenomena she was observing. In 1898, she and her husband discovered two new radioactive elements: polonium and radium, and in 1903, Curie became the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize in Physics. Shockingly, the organisation originally only planned to honour her male counterparts. After her husband’s death in 1906, Marie took over his post, becoming the first female professor at the Sorbonne. Finally in 1911, Curie was awarded her second Nobel Prize, this time in Chemistry for her discoveries of polonium and radium. To this day, Curie is the only woman to win two Nobel Prizes.
1913
Emily Wilding Davison
An emblem of women’s suffrage, Emily Wilding Davison secured her legacy, and infamy, the moment she threw herself under the King’s horse at the Derby of 1913. Spectators at the event reported hearing her shout “Votes for Women!” before leaping to her death. Davison had always been controversial – seen by some as a martyr and by others as an irresponsible anarchist. Many argued that if extremely well educated women such as Davison were capable of such an act, what would transpire if less educated women were given the vote? They believed Britain’s strength would erode from within.
In 1909, Davison became a full-time suffragette as part of the WSPU, and was arrested seven times between 1909 and 1912. Despite debates over the effectiveness of her final actions, Davison is nevertheless remembered as a passionate member of the Suffragettes who ultimately gave her life so that women could one day be awarded the vote.
“Deeds not words.” (Inscribed on her headstone)
1913
An emblem of women’s suffrage, Emily Wilding Davison secured her legacy, and infamy, the moment she threw herself under the King’s horse at the Derby of 1913. Spectators at the event reported hearing her shout “Votes for Women!” before leaping to her death. Davison had always been controversial – seen by some as a martyr and by others as an irresponsible anarchist. Many argued that if extremely well educated women such as Davison were capable of such an act, what would transpire if less educated women were given the vote? They believed Britain’s strength would erode from within.
In 1909, Davison became a full-time suffragette as part of the WSPU, and was arrested seven times between 1909 and 1912. Despite debates over the effectiveness of her final actions, Davison is nevertheless remembered as a passionate member of the Suffragettes who ultimately gave her life so that women could one day be awarded the vote.
1914-18
1914-18
Women of World War I
World War I marked the end of Suffragette militancy and the arrival of women in the workforce. Previously, only 30% of the workforce was female and roles were usually limited to teaching, nursing, childcare or part-time work at home. Uptake was slow at first, but following the 1915 ‘Right to Work’ march led by Christabel Pankhurst, more women were able to find jobs. The number of women in work increased exponentially when conscription began in 1916, and many women found themselves in labour-intensive, important war work.
The Suffragettes rekindled the women’s suffrage movement, capitalising on the influence that women now exercised thanks to their invaluable role in the workforce. However, this new found independence was short lived as most women went back to the home at the end of the war.
Nevertheless, there was no escaping the fact that society had changed. The catastrophic losses to the young adult generation meant that those who lived on sought a sense of personal freedom. Many women who served as volunteers during the Great War found it difficult transitioning back to a constricting home life and were thus motivated to pursue their dreams and forge careers for themselves: starkly uncharted territory.
In 1918, the Representation of the People Act gave most women over thirty the right to vote, and in 1928 that right was extended to all women.
World War I marked the end of Suffragette militancy and the arrival of women in the workforce. Previously, only 30% of the workforce was female and roles were usually limited to teaching, nursing, childcare or part-time work at home. Uptake was slow at first, but following the 1915 ‘Right to Work’ march led by Christabel Pankhurst, more women were able to find jobs. The number of women in work increased exponentially when conscription began in 1916, and many women found themselves in labour-intensive, important war work.
The Suffragettes rekindled the women’s suffrage movement, capitalising on the influence that women now exercised thanks to their invaluable role in the workforce. However, this new found independence was short lived as most women went back to the home at the end of the war.
Nevertheless, there was no escaping the fact that society had changed. The catastrophic losses to the young adult generation meant that those who lived on sought a sense of personal freedom. Many women who served as volunteers during the Great War found it difficult transitioning back to a constricting home life and were thus motivated to pursue their dreams and forge careers for themselves: starkly uncharted territory.
In 1918, the Representation of the People Act gave most women over thirty the right to vote, and in 1928 that right was extended to all women.
1932
Amelia Earhart
It all started with a young girl’s plane ride at an air show. From that moment on, Amelia Earhart knew she wanted to be a pilot. Receiving tutelage from Mary Neta Snook, an aviatrix pioneer in her own right, Amelia became the 16th woman ever to receive a pilot’s licence.
Earhart soon shot to fame, breaking multiple speed and altitude records. Before she even had her licence, Amelia flew her biplane ‘The Canary’ to 14,000ft and smashed the women’s altitude record. In 1928, Amelia became the first woman to fly over the Atlantic as a passenger and then in 1932, she was the first woman to make the journey alone. On her final, fateful journey in 1937, Amelia endeavoured to circumnavigate the globe, however, somewhere over the South Pacific, Amelia, her navigator and the plane disappeared without trace. Theories abound as to what happened, and some would argue that her disappearance has made Amelia’s story all the more intriguing.
Today, Amelia is a symbol of perseverance, freedom and adventurous spirit for women everywhere.
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life and the procedure. The process is its own reward.”
1932
It all started with a young girl’s plane ride at an air show. From that moment on, Amelia Earhart knew she wanted to be a pilot. Receiving tutelage from Mary Neta Snook, an aviatrix pioneer in her own right, Amelia became the 16th woman ever to receive a pilot’s licence.
Earhart soon shot to fame, breaking multiple speed and altitude records. Before she even had her licence, Amelia flew her biplane ‘The Canary’ to 14,000ft and smashed the women’s altitude record. In 1928, Amelia became the first woman to fly over the Atlantic as a passenger and then in 1932, she was the first woman to make the journey alone. On her final, fateful journey in 1937, Amelia endeavoured to circumnavigate the globe, however, somewhere over the South Pacific, Amelia, her navigator and the plane disappeared without trace. Theories abound as to what happened, and some would argue that her disappearance has made Amelia’s story all the more intriguing.
Today, Amelia is a symbol of perseverance, freedom and adventurous spirit for women everywhere.
1955
1955
Rosa Parks
Known as the ‘mother of the civil rights movement’, American history remembers Rosa Parks as the brave freedom fighter who refused to give up her seat on a bus, an act of rebellion that helped trigger the end of segregation. Few people, by comparison, are aware of the other main focus of her activism: tackling the relentless sexual and domestic violence experienced by black women.
Working as an investigator for the NAACP, Rosa collected stories from the female black community and organised national media opportunities, urging black women to speak out about their struggles. Her work also extended to the protection of rights for female prisoners.
In 1975, a 21-year-old black woman by the name of Joan Little stood trial for killing a white prison guard who had sexually assaulted her. With the help of Detroit’s Joan Little Defense Committee, cofounded by Rosa Parks, Little become the first woman in U.S history to win a homicide case through the argument of self-defence against sexual assault – a ground-breaking moment for women’s rights.
“I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”
Known as the ‘mother of the civil rights movement’, American history remembers Rosa Parks as the brave freedom fighter who refused to give up her seat on a bus, an act of rebellion that helped trigger the end of segregation. Few people, by comparison, are aware of the other main focus of her activism: tackling the relentless sexual and domestic violence experienced by black women.
Working as an investigator for the NAACP, Rosa collected stories from the female black community and organised national media opportunities, urging black women to speak out about their struggles. Her work also extended to the protection of rights for female prisoners.
In 1975, a 21-year-old black woman by the name of Joan Little stood trial for killing a white prison guard who had sexually assaulted her. With the help of Detroit’s Joan Little Defense Committee, cofounded by Rosa Parks, Little become the first woman in U.S history to win a homicide case through the argument of self-defence against sexual assault – a ground-breaking moment for women’s rights.
1939-45
Women of World War II
The National Service Act of 1942 essentially drafted women into the workforce. At first, only single women aged 20-30 were called upon, but by mid-1943 almost 90% of single women and 80% of married women were employed in jobs which directly served the war effort. Women were first-hand witnesses to the war; many found themselves working in factories that were strategic targets for enemy attack, whilst others worked as nurses in military camps.
Once the United States became involved with the war, so did its women - approximately 74,000 women served in the Army and Navy Nurse Corps throughout World War II.
The post-war period produced a collection of cornerstone works of feminist theory and philosophy, which are still taught in universities to this day.
1939-45
The National Service Act of 1942 essentially drafted women into the workforce. At first, only single women aged 20-30 were called upon, but by mid-1943 almost 90% of single women and 80% of married women were employed in jobs which directly served the war effort. Women were first-hand witnesses to the war; many found themselves working in factories that were strategic targets for enemy attack, whilst others worked as nurses in military camps.
Once the United States became involved with the war, so did its women - approximately 74,000 women served in the Army and Navy Nurse Corps throughout World War II.
The post-war period produced a collection of cornerstone works of feminist theory and philosophy, which are still taught in universities to this day.
1960
1960
Sirimavo R.D. Bandaranaike
In 1960, Sri Lankan stateswoman Sirimavo R.D. Bandaranaike became the world’s first female Prime Minister. She served multiple terms in office, spanning three decades, and remained on the political scene throughout the social tumult in Sri Lanka.
Bandaranaike’s strength in leadership, ultimately set the precedence for other women worldwide to come to positions of political power: Indira Gandhi of India, Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan, Margaret Thatcher of Great Britain, and Violeta Barrios de Chamorro of Nicaragua were all the first female Prime Ministers in their respective countries.
In 1960, Sri Lankan stateswoman Sirimavo R.D. Bandaranaike became the world’s first female Prime Minister. She served multiple terms in office, spanning three decades, and remained on the political scene throughout the social tumult in Sri Lanka.
Bandaranaike’s strength in leadership, ultimately set the precedence for other women worldwide to come to positions of political power: Indira Gandhi of India, Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan, Margaret Thatcher of Great Britain, and Violeta Barrios de Chamorro of Nicaragua were all the first female Prime Ministers in their respective countries.
1963
Valentina Tereshkova
On June 16 1963, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova, became the first woman in space. Having had no formal pilot’s training, she was selected by the cosmonaut program because of her accomplishments as an amateur parachutist. Aboard the Vostok 6, Valentina completed 48 orbits in 71 hours.
Over the next few decades, Tereshkova went on to hold several political positions before retiring from the Russian Air Force in 1997. She travelled abroad representing the Soviet Union at the UN Conference in Mexico City for International Women’s year in 1975 and later at the World Conference on Women in Copenhagen. Even after the fall of the Soviet Union, she was regarded as a national heroine and in 2008 she served as an Olympic torchbearer.
“If women can be railroad workers in Russia, why can't they fly in space?”
“Anyone who has spent any time in space will love it for the rest of their lives. I achieved my childhood dream of the sky.”
1963
On June 16 1963, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova, became the first woman in space. Having had no formal pilot’s training, she was selected by the cosmonaut program because of her accomplishments as an amateur parachutist. Aboard the Vostok 6, Valentina completed 48 orbits in 71 hours.
Over the next few decades, Tereshkova went on to hold several political positions before retiring from the Russian Air Force in 1997. She travelled abroad representing the Soviet Union at the UN Conference in Mexico City for International Women’s year in 1975 and later at the World Conference on Women in Copenhagen. Even after the fall of the Soviet Union, she was regarded as a national heroine and in 2008 she served as an Olympic torchbearer.
1963
1963
Betty Friedan
In the 1950s, in order to move on from the war torn years of the decade past, women passionately pursued a life of domestic bliss. As a wife and mother, Betty Friedan experienced the unique stresses and strains of this decade first-hand. Then in 1963, whether the world was ready or not, she penned The Feminine Mystique; she wrote, “Each suburban wife struggled with it alone. As she made the beds, shopped for groceries, matched slipcover material, ate peanut butter sandwiches with her children, chauffeured Cub Scouts and Brownies, lay beside her husband at night - she was afraid to ask even of herself the silent question - 'Is this all?'”
Today, Feminists take different stances on Friedan herself, though all can agree on one thing: she brought the topic of women’s rights into millions of homes. Betty Friedan sparked what is now commonly called Second Wave Feminism, following in the footsteps of the Suffragettes.
In the 1950s, in order to move on from the war torn years of the decade past, women passionately pursued a life of domestic bliss. As a wife and mother, Betty Friedan experienced the unique stresses and strains of this decade first-hand. Then in 1963, whether the world was ready or not, she penned The Feminine Mystique; she wrote, “Each suburban wife struggled with it alone. As she made the beds, shopped for groceries, matched slipcover material, ate peanut butter sandwiches with her children, chauffeured Cub Scouts and Brownies, lay beside her husband at night - she was afraid to ask even of herself the silent question - 'Is this all?'”
Today, Feminists take different stances on Friedan herself, though all can agree on one thing: she brought the topic of women’s rights into millions of homes. Betty Friedan sparked what is now commonly called Second Wave Feminism, following in the footsteps of the Suffragettes.
1969
Maya Angelou
Award-winning writer, poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou used art as a vehicle for social and political resistance as well as feminist self-expression. A friend of both Malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr., Angelou was at the heart of the civil rights movement, where she stood against the injustices of racism and sexism.
Maya is perhaps most well known for her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), the first nonfiction bestseller by an African American woman. The memoir reveals the hardships of her childhood and youth, including the devastating experience of being raped by her mother’s boyfriend, who is later beaten to death for the act, rendering a horrified Maya mute for several years.
Her later work explores her experience of teenage pregnancy and single motherhood, showing how these realities do not necessarily make victims of women.
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud. Do not complain. Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking. You might find a new solution.”
1969
Award-winning writer, poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou used art as a vehicle for social and political resistance as well as feminist self-expression. A friend of both Malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr., Angelou was at the heart of the civil rights movement, where she stood against the injustices of racism and sexism.
Maya is perhaps most well known for her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), the first nonfiction bestseller by an African American woman. The memoir reveals the hardships of her childhood and youth, including the devastating experience of being raped by her mother’s boyfriend, who is later beaten to death for the act, rendering a horrified Maya mute for several years.
Her later work explores her experience of teenage pregnancy and single motherhood, showing how these realities do not necessarily make victims of women.
1970
1970
Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem was (and is) a leader who united the women’s movement. She co-created Ms. Magazine, a platform for women’s voices to be heard and for discussion to flourish. In addition, Gloria co-founded several women’s groups that changed the face of the feminist movement: the National Organisation for Women, Women’s Media Center, Women’s Action Alliance, Women’s Political Caucus and more. At eighty-one years of age, she is still incredibly active today.
Steinem and the efforts of the US women’s liberation movement spanned the globe, and in 1970 contributed to the First National Women’s Liberation conference in the UK. The conference was a pivotal moment in the growth of the women’s liberation movement, producing four key demands: equal pay, equal education and job opportunities, free contraception and abortion on demand, and 24-hour nurseries.
Gloria Steinem was (and is) a leader who united the women’s movement. She co-created Ms. Magazine, a platform for women’s voices to be heard and for discussion to flourish. In addition, Gloria co-founded several women’s groups that changed the face of the feminist movement: the National Organisation for Women, Women’s Media Center, Women’s Action Alliance, Women’s Political Caucus and more. At eighty-one years of age, she is still incredibly active today.
Steinem and the efforts of the US women’s liberation movement spanned the globe, and in 1970 contributed to the First National Women’s Liberation conference in the UK. The conference was a pivotal moment in the growth of the women’s liberation movement, producing four key demands: equal pay, equal education and job opportunities, free contraception and abortion on demand, and 24-hour nurseries.
1979
Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher's political career was one of the most remarkable of modern times. Not only was she Britain’s first female prime minister, but she won three successive general elections and served for more than eleven years, a record unmatched in the 20th century.
Conservative politics was always a feature of Margaret’s home life: her father was a local councillor and they regularly discussed the issues of the day. While studying chemistry at Somerville College, Oxford, Margaret served as the president of the student Conservative Association. In 1952, she studied for the bar and qualified as a barrister before climbing the political ranks and winning a seat in the House of Commons in 1959. Thatcher's talent and drive caused her to be mentioned as a future Prime Minister in her early 20s, although she was pessimistic: "There will not be a woman prime minister in my lifetime—the male population is too prejudiced."
After the Conservative defeat in 1974, Thatcher ran for leadership of the party and, to the surprise of many, won. In the 1979 general election, the Conservatives came to power and Thatcher became prime minister. Margaret Thatcher, ‘The Iron Lady’, is now considered to be the most renowned British political leader since Winston Churchill. During her three terms, Margaret Thatcher saw Britain through a recession and the Cold War, and while controversial, her legacy lives on as one of political strength and economic vision.
“I always cheer up immensely if an attack is particularly wounding because I think, well, if they attack one personally, it means they have not a single political argument left.”
1979
Margaret Thatcher's political career was one of the most remarkable of modern times. Not only was she Britain’s first female prime minister, but she won three successive general elections and served for more than eleven years, a record unmatched in the 20th century.
Conservative politics was always a feature of Margaret’s home life: her father was a local councillor and they regularly discussed the issues of the day. While studying chemistry at Somerville College, Oxford, Margaret served as the president of the student Conservative Association. In 1952, she studied for the bar and qualified as a barrister before climbing the political ranks and winning a seat in the House of Commons in 1959. Thatcher's talent and drive caused her to be mentioned as a future Prime Minister in her early 20s, although she was pessimistic: "There will not be a woman prime minister in my lifetime—the male population is too prejudiced."
After the Conservative defeat in 1974, Thatcher ran for leadership of the party and, to the surprise of many, won. In the 1979 general election, the Conservatives came to power and Thatcher became prime minister. Margaret Thatcher, ‘The Iron Lady’, is now considered to be the most renowned British political leader since Winston Churchill. During her three terms, Margaret Thatcher saw Britain through a recession and the Cold War, and while controversial, her legacy lives on as one of political strength and economic vision.
1986
1986
Oprah Winfrey
Media icon Oprah Winfrey rose from poverty to become a household name through her wildly popular talk show The Oprah Winfrey Show, between 1986 and 2011. As the first African American billionaire and a strong, breathtakingly honest female voice, Oprah has been hailed the most influential woman of her generation.
A tireless advocate for women’s, LGBT and animal rights, Oprah has donated millions to foundations in support of humanitarian and environmental causes, providing education to girls from low-income families in South Africa and relief for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
An open survivor of childhood sexual abuse and an avid children’s rights activist, Oprah proposed a bill to congress that would see the creation of a nationwide database of convicted child abusers. The bill was signed into law in 1994 by President Clinton. In November 2013, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in recognition of her contributions to her country.
“I don't think of myself as a poor deprived ghetto girl who made good. I think of myself as somebody who, from an early age, knew I was responsible for myself, and I had to make good.”
Media icon Oprah Winfrey rose from poverty to become a household name through her wildly popular talk show The Oprah Winfrey Show, between 1986 and 2011. As the first African American billionaire and a strong, breathtakingly honest female voice, Oprah has been hailed the most influential woman of her generation.
A tireless advocate for women’s, LGBT and animal rights, Oprah has donated millions to foundations in support of humanitarian and environmental causes, providing education to girls from low-income families in South Africa and relief for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
An open survivor of childhood sexual abuse and an avid children’s rights activist, Oprah proposed a bill to congress that would see the creation of a nationwide database of convicted child abusers. The bill was signed into law in 1994 by President Clinton. In November 2013, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in recognition of her contributions to her country.
1990
Kathleen Hanna
The late 1980s saw the rise of Third Wave Feminism: counter-culture and guerrilla activism. Ultimately, the movement arose as a backlash against the perceived shortcomings of Second Wave Feminism. Kathleen Hanna, the lead singer of the band Bikini Kill, is one of the founders of the ‘Riot Grrrl’ underground punk feminism movement, and inspired by women like Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan, Hanna was determined to play a role in shaping the future of the women’s movement.
Third Wave feminists tackle topics such as rape, domestic abuse, racism, patriarchy and female empowerment. Though some find the counter-culture vibe off-putting, Third Wave Feminism is truly eclectic and encompasses women of all ages and races. To this day, the movement continues to defend the rights that women have fought so hard for over the last 150 years.
“I'm not a goddess, for crying out loud. I'm a regular person who took feminism - which I have a deep connection to - and mixed it with music, which I really love to do.”
1990
The late 1980s saw the rise of Third Wave Feminism: counter-culture and guerrilla activism. Ultimately, the movement arose as a backlash against the perceived shortcomings of Second Wave Feminism. Kathleen Hanna, the lead singer of the band Bikini Kill, is one of the founders of the ‘Riot Grrrl’ underground punk feminism movement, and inspired by women like Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan, Hanna was determined to play a role in shaping the future of the women’s movement.
Third Wave feminists tackle topics such as rape, domestic abuse, racism, patriarchy and female empowerment. Though some find the counter-culture vibe off-putting, Third Wave Feminism is truly eclectic and encompasses women of all ages and races. To this day, the movement continues to defend the rights that women have fought so hard for over the last 150 years.
2013
2013
Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operations Officer at Facebook, has pioneered the Lean-In movement, inviting women to be strong, formidable presences in the male-dominated world of business. Sandberg is not the first woman to hold corporate power, but her involvement in a company that touches us all in some way has allowed her message to spread on an unprecedented scale.
"We've ceased making progress at the top in any industry anywhere in the world ... In the United States, women have had 14% of the top corporate jobs and 17% of the board seats for 10 years.
Ten years of no progress. In those same 10 years, women are getting more and more of the graduate degrees…but there's absolutely been no progress at the top. You can't explain away 10 years. Ten years of no progress is no progress."
Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operations Officer at Facebook, has pioneered the Lean-In movement, inviting women to be strong, formidable presences in the male-dominated world of business. Sandberg is not the first woman to hold corporate power, but her involvement in a company that touches us all in some way has allowed her message to spread on an unprecedented scale.
2014
Emma Watson
Emma Watson first became a beloved public figure at the age of eleven for her role as Hermione in the Harry Potter series. Not unlike her precocious (and feminist) character, Watson has shown the world that she means to change it. She pursued an Ivy League education and is using her celebrity status to affect global politics.
Emma’s HeforShe campaign aims to inspire men to stand up for gender equality. Social media has helped propel the campaign to prominence, with endorsements pouring in from men all around the world. The future is promising: this year HeForShe hopes to mobilise 1 million men and boys for the fight for gender equality.
“The human race is like a bird and it needs both its wings to be able to fly. And, at the moment, one of its wings is clipped and we’re never going to be able to fly as high…unless we [women and men] are both in support of each other.”
“If you stand for equality, then you’re a feminist.”
2014
Emma Watson first became a beloved public figure at the age of eleven for her role as Hermione in the Harry Potter series. Not unlike her precocious (and feminist) character, Watson has shown the world that she means to change it. She pursued an Ivy League education and is using her celebrity status to affect global politics.
Emma’s HeforShe campaign aims to inspire men to stand up for gender equality. Social media has helped propel the campaign to prominence, with endorsements pouring in from men all around the world. The future is promising: this year HeForShe hopes to mobilise 1 million men and boys for the fight for gender equality.
2014
2014
Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai has become a global beacon of inspiration in many respects - her goals of human rights and access to education are universal: every person has the right for fair treatment and education – especially, as Yousafzai says, women and girls.
Hunted and shot by the Taliban in 2012, this young Pakistani woman is now the world’s youngest ever Nobel Prize winner. Growing up under Taliban occupation, Malala set aside her own safety in order to help establish and maintain schools for girls in her region. Today, Malala’s story has caught the attention of the world and she continues to be a global force for good.
“I don't want to be remembered as the girl who was shot. I want to be remembered as the girl who stood up.”
Malala Yousafzai has become a global beacon of inspiration in many respects - her goals of human rights and access to education are universal: every person has the right for fair treatment and education – especially, as Yousafzai says, women and girls.
Hunted and shot by the Taliban in 2012, this young Pakistani woman is now the world’s youngest ever Nobel Prize winner. Growing up under Taliban occupation, Malala set aside her own safety in order to help establish and maintain schools for girls in her region. Today, Malala’s story has caught the attention of the world and she continues to be a global force for good.
2016
Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton has made U.S. political history more than once -- as the first woman to win a public office seat in 2001 and the first to become the presidential nominee of a major party in 2016.
Throughout her political career, Hillary has promoted and prioritised policies and bills that seek to grant reproductive rights, equal pay and paid family leave. She has spent decades fighting for healthcare reform and, during her time as First Lady, helped to create the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which today provides healthcare for more than 8 million children.
During her time as Secretary of State under President Obama, she brought women’s and human rights to political agendas around the world and created the Office of Global Women’s Issues within her department. Through this office she appointed the first ever U.S. Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues, making women’s rights a key priority for foreign policy.
“I challenge assumptions about women. I do make some people uncomfortable, which I'm well aware of, but that's just part of coming to grips with what I believe is still one of the most important pieces of unfinished business in human history — empowering women to be able to stand up for themselves.”
2016
Hillary Clinton has made U.S. political history more than once -- as the first woman to win a public office seat in 2001 and the first to become the presidential nominee of a major party in 2016.
Throughout her political career, Hillary has promoted and prioritised policies and bills that seek to grant reproductive rights, equal pay and paid family leave. She has spent decades fighting for healthcare reform and, during her time as First Lady, helped to create the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which today provides healthcare for more than 8 million children.
During her time as Secretary of State under President Obama, she brought women’s and human rights to political agendas around the world and created the Office of Global Women’s Issues within her department. Through this office she appointed the first ever U.S. Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues, making women’s rights a key priority for foreign policy.