Today I’m continuing the theme of celebrating women – influential women. In particular, women who have been influential in changing the face of history.
In reality, there are MANY INFLUENTIAL WOMEN in history who have broken through old paradigms. These women have helped to build strong foundations and serve as role models for what is possible for modern women. Today I’ve chosen five influential women and given you some information about each one. Read More …
Five Influential Women In History
Below are just five of the many influential women who have changed the face of history for today’s women:
- Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was a writer, philosophist and advocate of women’s rights. She penned the idea that women are not naturally inferior to men, they may just appear so because they have not been educated. Mary was best known for her most important word “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”. With the rise of feminism at the turn of the century, Mary’s unconventional writing and life lead her to being described as the mother of feminism. She died at 38, 11 days from Septicemia after giving birth to her second child (a common occurrence in those days, but less common these days thankfully).
- Marie Curie (1867-1934) was the first person to receive two Nobel Prices, AND the first woman to be enshrined in Frances National Mausoleum, the Paris Parthenon, on her own merits. Her research into radioactivity (along with husband Pierre) was more than groundbreaking — it was world-changing. Her theory of radioactivity forms the basis for much of the science we have today, including nuclear power and weapons, medical research, and even pieces of your smoke detector. Marie also became a role model to every little girl who dreams of being a scientist.
- Helena Rubinstein (1872-1965) was a Polish born make-up entrepreneur who emigrated to Australia in 1902 without money or the ability to speak English. She created the world’s first cosmetic companies after mixing lanolin, the grease found in merino sheep wool, with scented flowers. It made her one of the world’s riches women in the progress. In 1908 she moved to London to set up another part of her business, making it an international enterprise. This was unusual for a women, as they could not loan money at that time. She had to use her own money to do it. Helena was the first self made female millionaire.
- Margaret Sanger (1879-1966) was a feminist and activist. She coined the term “birth control” and wrote extensively about the need for reproductive rights. In her effort to educate women on sexual health, she was charged by the US government for describing birth control methods (which were illegal at the time) including condoms, chemical spermicides, withdrawal, and the diaphragm in her writings. In 1916, Margaret opened the first birth control clinic in America in New York and was then arrested after just 10 days of operation,. That clinic was the origins of what would become Planned Parenthood.
- Katherine Hepburn (1907-2003) was an actress and role model for more than 60 years. She was noted for playing strong willed women in her film roles, earning four Academy Awards for Best Actress – the most any actress has ever won. Her non-conformist masculine style choices helped make wearing trousers acceptable for women, which was something previously regarded largely as taboo – something that most of us take for granted today. Katherine made a conscious decision not to have children, believing that it was a full time commitment and one that she wasn’t prepared to make.
Influential Women In Your Life
There are many women who have shaped your life, both directly and indirectly. Some of them are known to you, including your family, friends, colleagues and more. However many of them you wont know, because they came from a different time and place in history.
These influential women have helped lay the foundations of what is possible for women today. And, the foundations which are being created for tomorrow. Take a moment to consider some of the influential women in your life, how have they influenced you and where that has blessed your life.
Your Influence On The World
Each of the above five women have made a huge contribution to redefining what is commonly thought as possible today for today’s women. However there as many others who have changed history as well.
Just like each of these influential women, you too can influence the world. Whether that’s in small or large ways. And, you can do it your own way … by following your passions, goals and dreams.
If you want to consciously make an effort to influence the world, then here are three questions to ask yourself :
- How do you want to be an influence in the world?
- What’s the subject, cause or outcome you’d love to be a part of influencing?
- What part of your big goal would you love to achieve this year?
Go ahead and influence the world in your own special way, by taking at least one action step today towards implementing your passions and goals.
Warm regards
Lisa
PS If you’d like assistance to implement your goals and break through past limitations, please click here to book a time to chat with me.
Great stuff Lisa … good to revisit those marvelous women throughout history who left a legacy for us women at this challenging time
Thanks Carol, glad to her you enjoyed the blog. There are so many women who’ve helped to give us the rights we have today as modern women. And of course plenty of women who are influencing women today and awakening new possibilities for the future 🙂