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In 2019, women have more rights and privileges than those who came before us could have ever imagined. In honour of all of the women who changed the world—the scientists, celebrities, athletes, inventors, leaders, politicians, and heroes—here’s our list of the top famous women in history.
1. Simone de Beauvoir
“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.”
De Beauvoir’s book, The Second Sex, is considered the first feminist theoretical text. The French writer became one of the cornerstones of second-wave feminism and inspired great women all over the world. In her treatise, she explored what she called the “myth of the eternal feminine”, challenging the notion that women should only play certain (subservient) roles in society.
2. Louise Mack
“If you asked why the post had not come, or why the boat did not sail for England, or why your coffee was cold, or why your boots were not cleaned, or why your window was shut, or why the canary didn’t sing,-you would always be sure to be told, “c’est la guerre!”
Louise Mack was an Australian poet and journalist, most famous for being the first female war correspondent. Women couldn’t even vote during World War I, but Mack was out on the battlefield doing an incredibly important, dangerous job that many thought only a man could do.
3. Queen Elizabeth I
“I know I have the body of a weak, feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too.”
In one of the most famous speeches by women, Elizabeth I rallied her troops against invading European forces. She ruled her English subjects with dignity and honour, making it apparent that England didn’t need a king to succeed…and solidifying her status as one of the most important historical figures in history.
4. Cleopatra
“I will not be triumphed over.”
Arguably one of the most famous females in ancient history, Cleopatra was more than just a beautiful seductress. She was a brilliant strategist and powerful leader. Her connections to Caesar and Mark Antony helped her defend her country’s independence and secured her legacy as one of the most influential women of all time.
5. Mother Teresa
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
There are many inspirational women, but few will ever be more inspiring than Mother Teresa. This Indian woman touched so many lives through her religious congregation, the Missionaries of Charity. Not only was she honoured as a Nobel Peace Prize winner and an actual saint, but she’s also largely considered the ideal of goodness and charity around the world.
6. Hedy Lamarr
“I’m a sworn enemy of convention. I despise the conventional in anything, even the arts.”
American actress Hedy Lamarr is much more than a pretty face. When she wasn’t busy being Hollywood’s darling, she was working on technology that would later be used in developing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Thanks, Hedy!
7. Serena Williams
“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.”
Black women and aspiring athletes everywhere have one of the best role models to look up to: star athlete Serena Williams. Williams is obviously the best female tennis player, hands down, by a mile. But with an 80% win rate in the finals, she’s also considered by many to be the best athlete of all time.
8. Malala Yousafzai
“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”
In 2012, Malala was a young 15-year-old girl who just wanted to learn. But the Taliban who had control over her town banned girls from going to school. Malala spoke up for her (and other girls’) right to education. The Taliban was obviously enraged at this—a gunman shot her in the head, but she, thankfully, survived.
She later went on to publish a book, I Am Malala, and became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize at 17 years old.
Keeping Their Legacy Alive
We like to say that “female is the future”, but this list shows that strong women have always been a part of history, even if society doesn’t want to admit it. These influential figures have paved the way for women everywhere, now it’s our job to keep their legacy alive and keep changing the world for the better.
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