Throughout history women have been fighting for equality in all aspects of life. A change was coming and in 1908 women were becoming more vocal in the inequality they were experiencing. It lead to the march of 15,000 women through NYC demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.
As a women myself, I’m unaware of many the battles fought for my rights and it’s vital we’re reminded of those pioneers in women rights / equality. With it being International Women’s Day, we wanted to share the lives of those who are making a change in equality and women rights.
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson was an American mathematician whose calculations of orbital mechanics were critical to the success of the first U.S crewed spaceflights. NASA noted her as a “historical role as one of the first African-American women to work as a NASA scientist”.
Sadly Katherine passed away on the 24th Feb 2020 at the fine age of 101. But her legacy continues to live on and has been described as an “American hero” who’s pioneering legacy will never be forgotten.
Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai was born in Pankistan, where her father taught at an all-girls school in her village. However when the Taliban took over her town, they enforced a ban on all girls going to school. At the age of 15, Malala publicly spoke out on women’s right to education, which as a result a gunman boarded her school bus and shot the young activist in the head.
She survived and moved to the UK where she has become a well known presence on the world stage and became the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, at 17 years old.
Diane, Princess of Wales
Diane become internationally well known for her charity work for sick children, the banning of landmines and for raising awareness about those affected by cancer, HIV/AIDS and mental illness.
Maria Bochkareva
Maria was one of approx. 1,000 women who joined the Russian army in WW1. Maria was one of the few who didn’t hide her gender an in 1917, she was made commander of Russia’s first all-female Battalion of Death. This was at a time when no other countries permitted women in combat roles, however her the battalion succeeded in taking German trenches on the Eastern front.