Women who Changed the World

(c 570 BC) -- One of the first published female writers. Wrote much about her love for other women

(69 -30 BC) -- The last Ptolemaic ruler of Egypt. Sought to defend Egypt from the expanding Roman Empire. Formed relationships with two of Rome’s most powerful leaders Marc Anthony and Julius Caesar.

(4 BC – 40AD) -- Sources suggest she was one of Jesus’ most devoted followers. Stood near Jesus at his crucifixion and was the first to see his resurrection.

(1st Century AD) Inspirational leader of the Britons. She led several tribes in revolt against the Roman occupation.

(1122-1204) -- The first Queen of France. Two of her sons Richard and John went on to become Kings of England. Educated, beautiful and highly articulate, influenced the politics of western Europe through her alliances and influence over her sons.

(1412-1431) - The patron saint of France, inspired a French revolt against the occupation of the English. An unlikely heroine; at the age of just 17, successfully led the French to victory at Orleans.

(1519-1589) Born in Florence, Italy, married to the King of France at the age of 14. She was involved in interminable political machinations leading to the St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre.

(1533-1603) – Queen of England; saw England cemented as a Protestant country. During her reign she witnessed the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

(1729-1796) – Empress of Russia. She placed great emphasis on the arts and helped to cement Russia as one of the dominant countries in Europe.

(1775-1817) – Wrote several novels including “Pride and Prejudice”. Wrote at a time when female writers were not so high profile, helping pave the way for future writers.

(1820-1906) – Campaigner against slavery and for the promotion of women’s and workers rights. She began campaigning within the temperance movement and this convinced her of the necessity for women to have the vote.

(1858-1928) A British suffragette; dedicated her life to the promotion of women’s rights. She explored all avenues of protest including violence, public demonstrations and hunger strikes.

(1867-1934) The first women to receive the Nobel Prize and the first person to win it for two separate categories; for research into radioactivity and chemistry.

(1868-1933) – First women magistrate in the British Empire. In 1927 she joined forces with four other Canadian women who sought to challenge an old Canadian law that said, “women should not be counted as persons”

(1880-1968) -- At the age of 19 months became deaf and blind. Overcoming the frustration of losing both sight and hearing she campaigned tirelessly on behalf of deaf and blind people.

(1883-1971) -- Fashion designer; Her ideas were revolutionary; in particular she often took traditionally male clothes and redesigned them for the benefit of women.

(1884-1962) -- Wife and political aide of American president F.D.Roosevelt. As head of UN human rights commission she helped to draft the 1948 UN declaration of human rights.

(1907-2003) – An iconic figure of twentieth Century film; won 4 Oscars. Her lifestyle was unconventional for the time and through her acting and life she helped redefine traditional views of women’s role in society.

(1910-1997) – Devoted her life to the service of the poor and dispossessed Through her Missionary of Charities organisation she personally cared for 1000s of sick and dying people in Calcutta.

(1913-2005) – Refused to give up her bus seat to a white man indirectly leading to some of the most significant civil rights legislation of American history.

(1915-1959) – “First Lady of the Blues”; widely considered to be the greatest and most expressive jazz singer of all time.

(1917-1984) – First female prime minister of India. She was in power from between 1966-77 and 1980-84. Assassinated in 1984 by her Sikh bodyguards, in response to her storming of the Golden Temple.

(1919-1952) – Was widely loved by the ordinary people of Argentina. She campaigned tirelessly for both the poor and for the extension of women’s rights. She died aged only 32 in 1952.

(1925 – 2013) The first female Prime minister of Great Britain, she governed for over 10 years, putting emphasis on individual responsibility and belief in free markets.

(1934 – ) Environmentalist and animal activist.

(1926-1962) American actress who became one of the most iconic film legends. Her films were moderately successful, but her lasting fame came through her photogenic good looks and aura of glamour and sophistication.

(1929-1945) – Her diary is one of the most widely read books in the world.

(1939 – ) -- Leading feminist icon of the 1960s and 1970s. In particular her book “The Female Eunuch” was a defining manifesto for the feminist movement, which proved influential in the 1960s.

(1897-1937) -- Aviation pioneer

(1943 – ) One of the greatest female tennis champions who also battled for equal pay for women. She won 67 professional titles including 20 titles at Wimbledon.

(1953 – 2007) The first female prime minister of a Muslim country. She helped to move Pakistan from a dictatorship to democracy. Sought to implement social reforms, in particular helping women and the poor.

(1997 – ) Pakistani schoolgirl who defied threats of the Taliban to campaign for the right to education. She survived being shot in the head by the Taliban and has become a global advocate for women’s rights, especially the right to education.

(1945-) Burmese opposition leader

(1818-1848) English novelist (Wuthering Heights) and poet.

(1954 – ) – The first women to own her own talk show host. Her show and book club is tremendously influential, usually focusing on issues facing American women.

(1958 – ) – The most successful female musician of all time. She has sold in excess of 250 million records. She has also starred in films, such as Evita.

(1961-1997) - British Royal princess who was noted for her humanitarian charity work.

(1965 – ) British author of the phenomenal best selling Harry Potter series. The volume of sales was so high, it has been credited with leading a revival of reading by children.

(1755 – 1793) French Queen executed during French revolution