Inspirational women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who shaped feminism (2023)

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Suffragette dies

In the first great slogan of feminism, the suffragettes fought vehemently for the rights of women, specifically for the right to vote. Their movements and protests, both peaceful and radical, made national suffrage for women possible in the 1920s. Some of the most prominent women in the movement? Mary Wollstonecraft, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Stone Blackwell, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Emmeline Pankhurst, Sojourner Truth.

Simone de Beauvoir

An outspoken political activist, writer, and social theorist, de Beauvoir wrote in 1949the second sex,A book that was ahead of its time and paved the way for modern feminism. In the influential (and highly controversial at the time) book, de Beauvoir criticized patriarchy and the social constructions women face.the second sexwas banned by the Vatican andeven considered "pornography" by some- a fearless start in the fight for feminism.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Roosevelt was the first First Lady to take on responsibilities beyond simply entertaining and entertaining the White House. Before becoming First Lady, she was outspoken and engaged on women's issues, working with the Women's Trade Union League and the International Congress of Working Women.Roosevelt wrote from 1935 to 1962"My day,"a newspaper column covering work, equality and women's rights before there was a word for "feminism" - the social issues of the day were considered "controversial", especially when a first lady was speaking. After her time as First Lady, she became the first US delegate to the United Nations, she served as the first Chairwoman of the UN Commission on Human Rights, and was also the President of JFK.Presidential Commission on the Legal and Social Status of WomenPromotion of equality and advice on women's issues.

Marlene Dietrich

While her efforts did not directly fight for women's rights, Dietrich did contribute to feminism through fashion. The Hollywood actress wore men's pants and suits at a time when it was considered highly scandalous and taboo; both on screen and in private, at one point in the 1930s she was nearly arrested for wearing pants in public. She was quoted as saying: "I dress for the image. Dietrich's way of dressing influenced generations of women after her, giving many the confidence and power to wear a suit.

Betty Friedan

The American writer and activist wrotefemale mysticismin 1963, often credited with starting the second wave of feminism that began in the 1960s and 1970sNational Women's Political Groupas well as organize theWomen's strike for equality in 1970, which popularized the feminist movement throughout the United States.

glory stone

Aptly called the "Mother of Feminism," Gloria Steinem led the women's liberation movements in the 1960s and '70s, and continues to do so today. Co-founder of Feminist Thememagazine of Mrs. mi various women's groups that have changed the face of feminism, including the Women's Action Alliance,National Women's Political Group,Women's Media Centerand more. All his efforts led to his introduction to theNational Women's Hall of FameIn 1993 and 2013 she was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. To this day, Steinem is a pioneer of feminism, most recently with hervilandiaSerie,FRAU,and post-election campaigns for girlsand women.

angela davis

As a pivotal voice for black women, Davis played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement. The political activist was a key leader of the black power movement, and while some of her more radical positions and her role in political protests have been controversial, she has tirelessly campaigned for advances in women's rights for more than six decades. Most recently, she served as the honorary co-chair of the Women's March on Washington in 2017.

sinus hooks

The American author was known for her social activism, which was often reflected in her writings on oppression, women's rights, and race. Some of Bell Hooks' most notable works areI'm not a woman? black women and feminismmifeminist theoryin which she stated: "Feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation and oppression."

Barbara Walter

Walters was not only the first co-anchor of a news show (although she only won half of her co-hosts at the time), she also became the first co-anchor of an ABC News evening news show. From the 1970s to today, Walters has paved the way not only for women in journalism, but for women throughout the workforce.

coretta scott rey

Although best known for her marriage to Martin Luther King Jr. and her civil rights work, Coretta Scott King has dedicated much of her life to women's equality. she helped findNOW (National Organization for Women)in 1966 and played a key role in the development of the organization. In her commitment to women's rights, King was also the first woman to lecture at Harvard.

Maja Angelou

Through her powerful literature, public speaking, and writing, Maya Angelou inspired women and African-Americans to overcome racial and gender discrimination. In 2011, Angelou was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for more than 50 years of work, including 36 books, seven autobiographies, and more than 50 honorary degrees.

Audre Lorde

Channeling her powerful voice through writing and poetry, Audre Lorde explored female identity and life as a black lesbian, writing about issues affecting women across the country during the height of the civil rights movement. All of her work was based on her “theory of difference”, which we now call “intersectionality”. She famously said: "It is not our differences that separate us. It is our inability to see, accept and celebrate those differences."

Ruth Bader-Ginsburg

Prior to serving as a Supreme Court Justice, Bader Ginsburg was a co-founder of theReporter for women's rights1970, the first legal magazine in the United States devoted exclusively to women's rights. Two years later she co-founded the Women's Rights Project inAmerican Civil Rights Union(ACLU) to restore women's voices in the law. Appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993, Bader Ginsburg became the second female Supreme Court justice, a position she still holds today, championing women's rights.

Yoko Ono

Best known for her peaceful protests with John Lennon, Ono has also been a voice for gender equality over the years. Her essay from 1972,"The feminization of society"helped mark the women's revolution of the 1970s.

alice walker

As a critical voice for black women in the feminist movement, Walker has been instrumental in her efforts for women, and women of color in particular. The writer and activist participated alongside Dr. Martin Luther King before joining Gloria Steinem as editormagazine of Mrs.🇧🇷 Walker's most famous work,a purple heart, became crucial in telling the story of black women and was later adapted into a film and a Broadway musical. Two years after its publication, Walker co-founded Wild Tree Press, a feminist publisher. Walker's contribution to the feminist movement is central to her efforts to ensure that the voices of black women are included and heard. In 1983 she was the first to coin the term "feminism' who tried to include black women in feminism.

Hillary Clinton

Clinton is the only First Lady to run for public office, she was the first female Senator from New York, Secretary of State to President Obama and, of course, the first female candidate in the 2016 presidential election. Clinton promoted the advancement of the woman through her various works, always the first woman in the chairlegal services company1978 to pronounce his famous "Women's rights are human rights".Red 1995to run an inspiring 2016 presidential campaign that girls can look up to. Despite facing countless sexisms during the presidential election, Clinton stayed the course to the very end, memorably declaring, "To all the girls out there watching...never doubt that you are worthy and powerful and deserving of every opportunity in the world." ". , in hers 2016concession speech.

Oprah Winfrey

Motivated by the unequal pay she received early in her television career, Oprah decided to start her own television show and from there build an empire dedicated to helping women grow, develop, and prosper. "I've never considered myself or labeled myself a feminist, but I don't think you can really be a woman in this world and not be one."Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, Oprah Winfrey Network and received the 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Diane von Furstenberg

DVF has built her entire fashion career around the concept of female empowerment. "Feel like a woman, put on a dress" and "Proud to be a woman!" are just two of the designer's mantras evoked by her brand. She not only uses fashion to empower women, but she foundedDVF Awards, which celebrates incredible women who have made a positive impact in the world through leadership, philanthropy, and hard work.

Virgen

The Queen of Pop has built her entire career pushing the boundaries of women and sexuality through her songs and music videos, while uncompromisingly destroying gender stereotypes. With her public role of hers, Madonna encouraged women to shamelessly take charge of their sexuality and her life. She more recently she has become vocalspeak out against sexism and ageismWomen get today by continuing to dress as sexy as they want at age 58.

sheryl sandberg

Facebook's COO is responsible for pioneering thelean in motionwith her 2013 book encouraging women to excel in the workplace. Through her featured position on her Facebook, her work with the Lean In Foundation, and the International Board of Women for Women, Sandberg speaks openly about the setbacks and inequities women face in the workforce. She also teamed up with Gloria Steinem toEmpowering girls after the 2016 presidential election.

Malala Yousafzai

The spunky teenager rose to fame with her memoirs,I am malala,She documents her intrepid journey as a young student fighting for access to education in Pakistan. Since then, Malala has traveled the world to support her foundation for the rights of women and children to education.Malala-Fonds.

Angelina Jolie

In addition to her extensive work as a UN diplomat, actress, and philanthropist, Angelina Jolie changed breast cancer awareness in 2013 when she decided to share her story of having a double mastectomy. In a personal essay by her, Jolie revealed how her health decision has empowered her as a woman while also encouraging other women to share their own breast cancer stories.

Chimanda Ngozi Adichie

Best known for her "We Should All Be Feminists"Palestra TEDSampled on Beyoncé's self-titled album, Adichie has become a major writer in the modern feminist movement. Some of her most outstanding pieces,Americanah we should all be feministsmiDear Ijeawele, or a feminist manifesto in fifteen proposals, have been fundamental in the defense of women's rights and in the representation of African culture.

Beyoncé

Ultimately bringing the feminist movement into modern pop culture, Beyoncé may have been hesitant to be a feminist in the past, but with the release of her self-titled album in 2013, she seemed to fully embrace her position. On the track "Flawless," she sampled author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TED motivational talk, "We Should All Be Feminists." With the release of his next albumLemonade, Queen Bey outdid herself with a short film that was a beautiful ode to black women.

roxana gay

obad feministThe author is the opposite. As the defining voice of the modern woman, Gay's writings address issues such as race, gender identity, sexual identity, sexual assault, and disability. In addition to her novels, essays, and short stories, Gay has also shared knowledge of her as a professor at Purdue University and at many speaking events, including ainspiring TED talk.

tease janet

A pioneering voice for transgender women, Mock has used her journalism career to advocate for the rights of transgender people. Along with your personal memories.Redefining Reality: My Journey to Femininity, Identity, Love, and Moremicertainty overcome,Mock has shared the stories of trans women through a variety of media, including the HBO film,A TransList who produced them.

emma watson

One of the generation's newer feminist voices, the actress turned heads with hermoving speechbefore the United Nations, which launched a new initiative for gender equality. Watson's work for the UN has reminded us all that feminism is not just a fight for women, it is also for men to unite. She has since started the #HeForShe movement, her own feminist book club, and she has spoken a lot about what it means to be a feminist today.

patrisse cullors

Black Lives Matter co-founder Cullors was one of the most influential forces of the decade in the fight against racism against black people. Sparked by the murder of Trayvon Martin in 2012, Cullors sparked one of the largest civil rights movements since the 1960s and 1970s. She is also an advocate for the rights of black and queer women and has since been awarded the of Sydney Peace and has been named an NAACP Storyteller.

Tarana Burke

Kicking off a new wave of feminism, Tarana Burke launched the #MeToo movement in 2006, more than a decade before it caught on around the world. As an inspirational leader for victims of sexual assault and harassment, Burke's work has enabled hundreds of thousands of women around the world to speak out about their own experiences of sexual assault and she helped open the floodgates for Hollywood's Time's Up movement. . Burke's "me too" concept created a safe space for women to speak up and fight against sexual misconduct, marking a new chapter in the future of feminism.

MichelleObama

When her husband Barack Obama became the first black president of the United States in 2009, Michelle Obama also made history by becoming the country's first black first lady and the only first lady to attend an Ivy League university (Princeton ) for his undergraduate studies. She left her mark on the White House with her Let Girls Learn initiative, which gives girls around the world better access to education. Even after her husband's presidency, she remains committed to the cause.Alliance Opportunities for Girls, an Obama Foundation program that supports grassroots leaders committed to girls' education.