Six Women Who Changed the World
To recognize Women’s History Month, we asked members of our community (Fellows, Board Members, and Staff) to identify a woman from history who has inspired them. Scroll down to see six impactful women who are inspiring our community of change makers today!
Savitribai Phule
A revolutionary that pioneered girls’ education in India, Savitribai Phule set up the first girls’ school in India by Indians in 1848. Her struggles and the considerable challenges she overcame form a large part of the reason I am educated today. Her ideals of equality and social reform inspire me to continue working for the causes I care about and reinforce my belief in myself to be able to change the world for the better! Urvi Talaty, Resolution Fellow, Class 8.
Maria Sibylla Merian
Maria Sibylla Merian was a naturalist born in 1647 and began her career in drawing the natural world but soon became drawn specifically to insects. Her work has formed the basis for some of the most critical research on insects in entomology to date! She’s a quiet hero to all of us who need bugs to live (WHICH IS EVERYONE!) and to those of us passionate about insects and in particular, bees! Dawn Musil, Resolution Fellow, Class 6.
Malala Yousafza
As a children’s and women’s activist, surviving a death threat in her passionate stance for girls’ rights to education, Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafza, is a global inspiration. Malala states: “So let us wage a glorious struggle against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism, let us pick up our books and our pens, they are the most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” Continuing her legacy through the “Malala Fund” and university studies in philosophy, politics and economics, Malala is a prime example of a leader embracing activism, peace, equality and education for all. Her graceful resilience sparks encouragement for change agents with an invigorating sense of “Yes, we can!” Yvonne Buysman, Resolution Board Member & Guide.
Winnie Madikizela Mandela
Winnie Madikizela Mandela was at the centre of the fight against apartheid as a politician and activist, amongst other titles she carried. She was arrested, and endured torture, but was relentless in her fight for equality. As noted by her documentarian Pascale Lamche, Winnie Mandela was the lens through which Nelson Mandela saw the world while he was behind bars. Nelson Mandela’s freedom and legacy were built through Winnie Mandela’s vision and resilience. Pumla Maswanganyi, Resolution Fellow, Class 8.
Surya Bonaly
Surya Bonaly is a retired professional figure skater whose determination and willingness to go against the norm is incredibly inspiring. Most famously, she performed an illegal move—a one-bladed backflip—during her performance at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. This move cost her a medal but solidified her in history as a top-caliber athlete. Her drive to achieve her personal best, even at the expense of more institutionalized success, is incredibly empowering. Ellen Golackson, Resolution Events Associate.
Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago (The Iron Lady of Asia).
“Why did man climb Mt. Everest? Because it is there. Why am I fighting graft and corruption? Because it is here!” —Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
Miriam is my hero and it still makes me sad when I think about her passing in 2016. She was the epitome of a good leader: intelligent, fearless, and determined. In her career as a lawyer, judge, senator, and author, she served in all three branches of the Philippine government. In addition to serving three terms as a senator, she worked at the United Nations; as a judge for the Regional Trial Court during the Martial Law era; as an Immigration Commissioner; as the Secretary for Agrarian Reform; and as the first Filipina to be a judge for the International Criminal Court. She was recognized globally and pursued her education at some of the most prestigious universities such as Harvard University, University of Cambridge, University of Michigan, and more.
Her strength of character, passion for learning, and relentless search for truth and justice is a powerful reminder of the limitless strength we have as women. On top of all that, she was an incredible speaker and had a witty, self-deprecating sense of humor. What’s not to love? Justine Recio, Resolution Fellow, Class 9.
