There is a unique breed of resilient people that rise above that and redefine themselves and those around them while the world continues to group people into collectives. These are the change-makers who refuse to allow others to define who they are, what they contribute to society, and what they are capable of.
The work of strong women who, in spite of numerous challenges, have redefined and transformed the lives of numerous other women best captures this spirit. Women continue to stand up for those who need them the most, proving to be some of the most amazing leaders and advocates.
The feminist heroines listed below are living examples of how, despite centuries of oppression and marginalization, women have always risen to the challenge and fought for causes larger than themselves.
These role models, who range from politicians and celebrities to writers and environmentalists, are undeniable evidence that, in the words of famed feminist Beyoncé, “girls run the world.”
Inspiring Women Feminist
1. Eleanor Roosevelt
Roosevelt became the first First Lady to shoulder duties other than hosting and hosting guests at the White House. She was active in women’s causes before she became first lady, working with the International Congress of Working Women and the Women’s Trade Union League. Before the term “feminist” even existed, Roosevelt published the daily column “My Day” from 1935 until 1962.
The social issues at the time were regarded as “controversial,” particularly for that of a First Lady to comment about. She served as the first US representative to the UN after her term as First Lady, was the first chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights, and presided over JFK’s President’s Commission on the Status of Women to advance equality and provide advice on women’s concerns.
2. Marlene Dietrich
Although Dietrich didn’t advocate for women’s rights directly, she still contributed to feminism through her sense of style. The Hollywood actress dressed in men’s suits and trousers at a period when doing so was frowned upon and highly scandalous; she did it both publicly and in private, even coming dangerously close to being jailed for donning pants in the 1930s.
She is credited with saying, “I dress professionally. Not for myself, not for the general populace, not for style, and not for men.” Generations of women after Dietrich were influenced by her fashion sense, giving many of them the assurance and authority to wear a suit.
3. Maya Vishwakarma
Maya Vishwakarma, also known as the “pad woman of India,” describes herself as the “standing example” of the terrible effects that the taboo and stigma surrounding menstruation have on Indian girls and women. She left her work at age 36 and founded the Sukarma Foundation in 2016 to raise awareness about menstruation, encourage the use of sanitary napkins, and dispel stereotypes about it.
In addition, the organization produces inexpensive sanitary napkins that are distributed to women in the most isolated regions of the nation.
4. Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem, who is aptly referred to as the “Mother of Feminism,” oversaw the women’s liberation movements in the 1960s and 1970s and still does so now. Co-founder of the feminist magazine Ms. and a number of other female organizations, such as the Women’s Action Alliance, the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Women’s Media Center, and others, that helped to transform feminism.
She was recognized for all of her efforts in 1993 when she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, and in 2013 she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. With her Viceland series, WOMAN, and her post-election activism for young girls and women, Steinem has most recently demonstrated her continued status as a feminism trailblazer.
5. Rukmini Rao
Gloria Steinem, who is aptly referred to as the “Mother of Feminism,” oversaw the women’s liberation movements in the 1960s and 1970s and still does so now. co-founder of the feminist magazine Ms. and a number of other female organizations, such as the Women’s Action Alliance, the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Women’s Media Center, and others, that helped to transform feminism.
She was recognized for all of her efforts in 1993 when she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, and in 2013 she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. With her Viceland series, WOMAN, and her post-election activism for young girls and women, Steinem has most recently demonstrated her continued status as a feminism trailblazer.
6. Angela Davis
Davis, a pioneering voice for black women, was essential to the Civil Rights struggle. Though some of the political activist’s more radical views and her participation in political protests have been labelled controversial, she has steadfastly battled for the advancement of women’s rights for more than 60 years. The political activist was a crucial figure in the Black Power movement. She most recently participated in the Women’s March on Washington in 2017 as an honorary co-chair.
7. Ruth Bader Ginsberg
Bader Ginsburg co-founded the Women’s Rights Law Reporter in 1970, the first American law publication to concentrate solely on women’s rights, before she was appointed to the Supreme Court. She co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) two years later, ensuring that women’s voices were once again recognized in the legal system. Bader Ginsburg was the second woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton in 1993. She still retains that position today and utilizes it to promote women’s rights.
8. Sonal Kapoor
In order to end child maltreatment and the intergenerational cycle of poverty in both urban and rural India, she established the Protsahan India Foundation in 2010. The organization employs a wholistic strategy that combines art and education to heal, assist, and safeguard the survivors and the children who are in risk.
Sonal, who is 33 years old, is currently a member of the Delhi Commission of Women’s expert committee on countering child trafficking. The nonprofit has saved and helped more than 19,000 kids over the last eight years.
9. Alice Walker
Walker has played a crucial role in the feminism movement as a voice for black women and, more particularly, for women of color. Before joining Gloria Steinem as an editor at Ms. Magazine, the author and activist worked with Dr. Martin Luther King in the Civil Rights Movement.
Walker’s most well-known book, The Color Purple, was eventually made into a movie and a Broadway musical and had a significant role in presenting the tale of Black women. Walker co-founded the feminist publishing house Wild Tree Press two years after its release. Walker’s involvement in the feminist movement is essential to her attempts to ensure that Black women’s voices were heard.
10. Oprah Winfrey
Due to the unfair salary she received at the beginning of her broadcasting career, Oprah decided to launch her own television program. From there, she went on to create an empire that focuses on assisting women in their growth, development, and success. “I never thought of or identified as a feminist, but I don’t think you can genuinely be a woman in this world and not be,” the speaker said.
Since then, she has created the Oprah Winfrey Network, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, and she was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.
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