March is National Women’s History Month! Impactful women have existed in our society for thousands of years, but unfortunately, misogyny has existed as long as they have. However, women have fought against their oppressors and made a difference in history despite what others think. Let’s take a look at 10 impactful women from the last 100 years!
1. Rebecca Felton
Felton was the first woman to serve as a US Senator in the 1920’s. Although Felton was a white supremacist and slaveowner, she did make a positive contribution to history because of her advocacy for women’s suffrage. Felton only served in the Senate for one day, but her memory will be remembered forever.
2. Jane Addams
Photo courtesy of ThoughtCo
Addams was the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in US history. Addams earned this award for her work to convince the major world powers to make peace agreements during WW2 in the 1930’s. Addams courageous activism will be remembered throughout the rest of American history.
3. Colonel Ruby Bradley
Colonel Bradley served in the 1940’s as the third woman to be appointed as a US Colonel. Colonel Bradley served as an Army nurse during WW2 and the Korean War and was even taken as a prisoner in Japan. Colonel Bradley was the US’s most decorated Army nurse, having earned 34 medals. Colonel Bradley’s courage and dedication to our country will forever be remembered.
4. Marilyn Monroe
Monroe was the pinnacle of feminine American beauty in the 1950’s, and she led the “sexual revolution” of the time. Monroe was a famous actress and model, but despite her fame and good looks, she also had a kind heart. Monroe donated to children’s welfare organizations frequently and used her platform to uplift women throughout her life. Monroe is still remembered today and will be for many years to come.
5. Gloria Steinem
Steinem was a leading activist in the second-wave feminism movement in the 1960’s. Steinem was a nationally recognized journalist and lecturer who spoke for women across the nation. Steinem was best known for her role as a columnist for “New York Magazine” and for co-founding Ms. Magazine. Steinem’s hard work and determination will forever be remembered by journalists around the nation.
6. Angela Davis
Davis is a political activist who first rose to fame in the 1970’s and was known for her role as a founding member of the Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism, which supported a democratic orientation for the US. In the 70’s, Davis’s weapons were stolen and used to commit several murders, which she was then accused of partaking in. Davis was jailed for a year before being released. Both of these aspects of Davis’s life displayed her political opinions and bravery, which will keep legacy in memory for many years to come.
7. Madonna
Madonna’s fame grew in the 1980’s from her reinvention of the typical music industry with her versatile style of writing, singing and producing music videos. Madonna’s femininity and quirkiness made her a famous pop icon who is still prominent today. Madonna’s dedication to her work and confidence is awe-inspiring and hard to forget.
8. Britney Spears
Spears became a pop icon in the 1990’s for her good looks and catchy music. Spears has used her platform to keep the sexy femininity that uplifts women alive. Spears has created so many hit songs that she earned the title “Princess of Pop,” and has sold over 150 million records. Spears is one of the world’s best-selling music artists and will continue her legacy of uplifting women until the end of pop.
9. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey has made her mark on the world since the 1980’s as a talk show host and philanthropist, but in 2007, she opened a school for uneducated girls in Africa. Winfrey has been making headlines for her work for the benefit of the less fortunate as well as her educational speeches in support of Barack Obama. Winfrey’s selflessness and determination will be remembered throughout history, long after her initial legacy has ended.
10. Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama served as the First Lady of the US during her husband’s presidency from 2009-2017. After graduating from both Princeton and Harvard Law, Obama made many speeches promoting her husband’s presidential campaign, as well as poverty awareness, education, nutrition (including healthy eating and exercise). Obama has been a role model for women around the world and will continue to inspire and motivate for many years to come.
