Unsung Heroines: Overlooked Women Who Made Herstory
You may or may not have loved history in school…shout out to my fellow history lovers!...but whether you did or didn’t, I think this particular (very short) history lesson is an important one (and it’s a listicle which is even better!).
Throughout history, the role of women in the working world has been a saga of resilience, determination, and triumph. From the beginning of time to the present day, women have shattered barriers, challenged norms, and redefined success on their own terms.
That's precisely why I think it’s imperative that we, as working women, know the battles and triumphs of the women who came before us.
So get ready to dive into the untold stories, celebrate the unsung heroes, and uncover the indomitable spirit of women who shaped our past and continue to inspire our future.
Here are 5 women who changed the world, who you probably don’t know about.
Ida B. Wells
Ida B. Wells was a remarkable figure in American history, who left a lasting impact on the civil rights movement. Through her pioneering work in investigative journalism, she not only exposed the horrific realities of lynching but also became an early leader of the movement for racial justice. Her unwavering courage and determination in the face of adversity was truly remarkable, as she refused to stay silent and fought tirelessly to expose the truth about lynching. Her work was critical in shaping public opinion, and her advocacy was instrumental in bringing about social change at a time when racial violence was rampant. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of activists and journalists, and her contributions to the advancement of civil rights remain an important part of our history.
“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”
Chien-Shiung Wu
Chien-Shiung Wu was an exceptional physicist who is often referred to as the First Lady of Physics. She was a remarkable pioneer in her field, despite facing constant obstacles as both a woman in science and as a Chinese immigrant during the severe anti-Asian era of WWII. Her groundbreaking work on the Manhattan Project, where she helped develop methods for separating uranium isotopes, was crucial to the development of the atomic bomb. Her work throughout her career earned her countless awards, including the National Medal of Science, which she received in 1975.
“There is only one thing worse than coming home from the lab to a sink full of dirty dishes, and that is not going to the lab at all!”
Rigoberta Menchú
Rigoberta Menchú is a remarkable woman who was born into the K’iche’ Maya community in Guatemala. She is widely known for her unwavering commitment to advocating for human rights on a global scale. Menchú's advocacy work has primarily focused on promoting indigenous rights, fighting for social justice, and ending violence against women and indigenous communities. Her tireless efforts earned her the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 1992, which she was awarded for her remarkable contribution in promoting indigenous rights in Guatemala and beyond.
“Only together can we move forward, so that there is light and hope for all women on the planet.”
Ada Lovelace
Ada Lovelace was a brilliant mathematician and writer who is often referred to as the world's first computer programmer. She is best known for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine, where she made groundbreaking contributions that laid the foundation for modern computing. Ada Lovelace's insights were so significant that she is often referred to as the 'prophet of the computer age'. Her work on the Analytical Engine included writing the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine, which was a major milestone in the history of computing.
“That brain of mine is something more than merely mortal; as time will tell.”
Wangari Maathai
Wangari Maathai was a renowned environmentalist and political activist from Kenya, who founded the Green Belt Movement. It began in 1976 when, in response to the needs of rural Kenyan women, she introduced the idea of the women working together to plant trees, which would help solve many of their problems. Later, she transformed it into a grassroots organization (GBM) that focused on planting trees with women groups to conserve the environment and improve their quality of life. Maathai was also the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree, the first female department head at the University of Nairobi in Kenya, and the first African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize. She received the award for her efforts in promoting sustainable development, democracy, and peace.
“Finally I was able to see that if I had a contribution I wanted to make, I must do it, despite what others said. That I was OK the way I was. That it was all right to be strong.”
Women's History Month is like a treasure trove of inspiring stories, filled with remarkable women who've shaped our world in countless ways. From the household names to the unsung heroes, each woman's journey is a testament to resilience and determination. As we reflect on the past and present challenges faced by women worldwide, let us also recommit ourselves to advancing gender equality and creating a more inclusive and equitable society for future generations. Through education, advocacy, and recognition, we can ensure that the legacies of these remarkable women continue to inspire and empower individuals around the globe.
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Ida B. Wells
Smith, D. (2018, April 27). Ida B Wells: the unsung heroine of the civil rights movement. The Guardian; The Guardian. URL
Powell, D. (2017, July 16). Ms. Ida B. Wells - NAACP. NAACP. URL
Boomer, L. (2022, August 3). Life Story: Ida B. Wells - Women & the American Story. Women & the American Story. URL
Picture: Cihak and Zima, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, ca. 1893-1894. University of Chicago Library, Special Collections Research Center.
Chien-Shiung Wu
Boomer, L. (2023, February 8). Life Story: Chien-Shiung Wu, 1912-1997 - Women & the American Story. Women & the American Story. URL
Chien-Shiung Wu | Biography, Accomplishments, Importance, & Facts | Britannica. (2024). In Encyclopædia Britannica. URL
Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, The First Lady of Physics (U.S. National Park Service). (2022). Nps.gov. URL
Picture: Chien-shiung Wu (1912-1997), professor of physics at Columbia University, 1963. Smithsonian Institute Archives Image # SIA 2010-1509.
Rigoberta Menchú
Rigoberta Menchú. (2017). Learning for Justice. URL
Rigoberta Menchú Tum Guatemala. (2023). Nobel Women’s Initiative. URL
The Nobel Peace Prize 1992. (2024). NobelPrize.org. URL
Photo: Photo from the Nobel Foundation archive.
Ada Lovelace
Ada Lovelace | Babbage Engine | Computer History Museum. (2024). URL
Ada Lovelace: Founder of Scientific Computing. (2024). Sdsc.edu. URL
Morais, B. (2013, October 15). Ada Lovelace, the First Tech Visionary. The New Yorker; The New Yorker. URL
Illustration: SSPL / Getty
Wangari Maathai
Climate Hero: Wangari Maathai | One Earth. (2023). One Earth; oneearth.org. URL
Media, C. (2024). Who We Are | The Green Belt Movement. Greenbeltmovement.org. URL
The Nobel Peace Prize 2004. (2024). NobelPrize.org. URL
Photo: One Earth
