Women Leaders / Mainly, 20th Century
The 20th century began with a sense of great optimism after centuries of oppression. It was to be one of the most violent and tumultuous in world history. And the most progressive. And women have fought every step of the way.
From extraordinary breakthroughs and inventions in science, to revolutionary political shifts, and artistic and cultural movements, this is a collection of some of the most remarkable achievements of women in the last century.
Some made music, some made noise, all made a difference. Here we celebrate incredible women who overcame hardships, broke records, and blazed trails. While some are obvious choices and some more obscure, all acted to increase our freedom, safety, and prosperity.
Some have changed the way people think, some the way people see an hear, and others have changed the course of events across the globe. All have shaped our history. And our future.
Humanity and Liberty
- Emmeline Pankhurst
- Mother Teresa
- Rosa Parks
- Eva Peron
- Anne Frank
- Gloria Steinem
- Malala Yousafzai
Science
- Nettie Steens
- Marie Curie
- Lise Meitner
- Inge Lehmann
- Barbara McLintock
- Maria Goeppert Mayer
- Marguerite Perey
- Mary Leakey
- Katsuko Saruhashi
- Rosalind Franklin
- Rosalyn Yalow
- Martha Chase
Medicine
- Florence Nightingale
- Margaret Sanger
- Dorothy Hodgkin
- Gertrude Elion
- Elizabeth Blackburn
- Nancy Wexler
Technology
- Hertha Ayrton
- Amelia Earhart
- Grace Hopper
- Stephanine Kwolek