Stories of Awe-Inspiring Women of History

  • Marie Curie– the first woman to win the Nobel Prize, scientist, and pioneering physicist
  • Frida Kahlo–an iconic and inspirational artist who helped shape the idea of portraits
  • Malala Yousafzai–a Pakistani education advocate and youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize
  • Rosa Parks–an American civil rights activist and the spark of the civil rights movement
  • Clara Barton–a nurse and the woman who established the American Red Cross

These are among a few of the iconic and notable women in history who are widely recognized for the incredible feats they’ve accomplished. Each one of these women, and thousands beyond this, have stood up to the circumstances they’ve faced and the people eager to silence them. They’ve shaped history in remarkable ways yet largely fly ‘under the radar’. 

Each one of the women listed above asked the same question that every woman around the world asks themselves: What does it mean to be a woman? Does it mean I have to work twice as hard to be recognized? Speak twice as loud to be heard? Maybe it’s neither. Maybe being a woman is recognizing that you have power and worth that no one can take away from you. Maybe it’s being feminine, but maybe it’s not. Maybe being a woman is being independent and thinking for yourself past what others try to shape you into. It could be overcoming adversity, being resilient, staying strong, empowering those around you. Being a woman is whatever you want it to be and will be a definition that is constantly in flux as you slowly learn more about yourself and the world around you.

Not everyone can win the Nobel Peace Prize or make groundbreaking discoveries, but not everyone has to. You don’t have to be a famous activist, painter, researcher, or astrologer. You can find your definition of your womanhood by doing what you love whether that’s improving the lives of those around you, performing your job, or taking care of your loved ones. Whatever way you perceive yourself, whatever you choose to do, don’t forget to pause and think upon what your definition of being a woman is. Don’t let others dictate your womanhood or take away something meant to be completely yours. Discover yourself to explore who you are and who you can be.

Share with us and let us know what being a woman means to you.