By: Mikaela Consales & Helia Zargar

  1. Hedy Lamarr: Her work on a radio guidance system for Allied torpedoes during World War II contributed to the development of modern Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi technology. She was an avid contributor of science, technology, and engineering. Hedy Lamarr was a popular actress during the 30’s and 40’s, and was dubbed the most beautiful woman in the world at the time. She shows us that beauty and intelligence can always work side by side. 
  1. Jane Addams: An American settlement activist, reformer, social worker, sociologist, public administrator, and author. Known as the ‘Mother of social work’, Addams was the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize for her advancement of the cause of pacifism and was described as a ‘threat to national security’ due to her opposition to US involvement in World War I. Addams served as president of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom until 1929 and then as honorary president for the rest of her life.
  1. Eleanor Roosevelt: An American political figure, diplomat, pacifist and activist, Roosevelt was not just your average First Lady due to her vocal support of the rights of African-Americans and women’s rights, much to the chagrin of many at the time. “Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway. You’ll be damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.”
  1. Noor Inayat Khan: The first Muslim female war hero, Khan was an undercover operative in France who was betrayed by her colleagues, tortured and executed but never gave away any Allied secrets. She teaches us to stand up for what you believe in. Khan refused to betray her non-violent principles but still actively opposed Nazi tyranny.
  1. Indira Gandhi: Gandhi was the only female Prime Minister of India, and forged the historic 1972 Simla agreement to end war between India and Pakistan. “Forgiveness is a virtue of the brave”. She teaches us that after the bloody post-Partition conflict between India and Pakistan, Gandhi needed to inhabit these words to ensure any hope of peace.
  1. Princess Diana: Her life was tragically cut short, but her inspiring work with AIDs sufferers and anti-landmine campaigns means that Diana truly was ‘The People’s Princess.’ She teaches us that everyone in society deserves to have a voice – no matter how much power you hold. 
  1. Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States and co-founder of the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union, Bader Ginsburg is our legal idol. She teaches us that through her various verdicts, supporting women’s rights, LGBT causes and racial equality, she proved that she deserves the affectionate moniker of the Notorious R.B.G.
  1. Malala Yousafzai: Yousafzai survived a Taliban assassination attempt as retaliation for her activism for girls’ education and went on to be the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. She teaches us that it doesn’t matter when you start, just start. At the age of 20, she is already changing the world through her words and her work.

Work Cited

Proudfoot, Jenny, and Victoria Fell. “From Pankhurst to Pink: 100 of the Most Inspiring Women from the Last 100 Years.” Marie Claire UK, Marie Claire UK, 7 Mar. 2023, http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/most-inspirational-women-575925. Accessed 8 Mar. 2023.

“10 International Women’s Day Event Ideas & Activities | Eventbrite.” Eventbrite Blog, 7 Feb. 2023, http://www.eventbrite.com/blog/10-international-womens-day-event-ideas/. Accessed 9 Mar. 2023.