They wrote books that revolutionized people’s view of society; made scientific discoveries that transformed medicine as we know it; and brought about laws that shook up the establishment.
In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, Leading Women takes a look at just seven of the many females throughout history who changed the world for the betterment of all.
Harriet Beecher Stowe, author and anti-slavery campaigner
The American author’s best-selling 1852 novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” helped popularize the anti-slavery movement.
Legend has it Abraham Lincoln greeted Beecher Stowe at the White House by saying: “So you’re the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war,” in reference to the civil war.
–
Wangari Maathai, founded the Green Belt Movement
“When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and hope,” said 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winning environmentalist Wangari Maathai.
The Kenyan political activist founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977 in an effort to empower rural women who had started reporting their streams were drying up, their food supply was less secure, and they had to walk further than ever before for firewood.
The movement has since spread across the world, campaigning on climate change and teaming up with the United Nations Environment Programme.
This is by no means the definitive list of women who changed the world, and narrowing it down to just seven was a tough call. Who would you include? Leave your suggestions in the comments box below.
