Herstory: Five Little-Known Women Who Shaped the World.
As Women’s History Month draws to an end, we’d like to share the stories of a few women who were among the many females who changed the world. Here are five unsung heroines whose influences continue to live on:
#1: Olympe de Gouges (1748–1793)
During the age of revolution, Enlightenment ideals of freedom and equality suffused throughout the world. Most revolutionaries championed these ideals — but only for wealthy white men. Born Marie Gouze, Olympe de Gouges was one of the first people to challenge this idea and call for drastic social reform.
As a writer, de Gouges worked to raise awareness for a variety of causes, from rights for illegitimate children to road improvement. She wrote plays and pamphlets — most notably The Declaration of Women’s and Female Citizens’ Rights — to challenge long-held, unequal ideals of both slavery and gender roles. She was adamant in her belief that women were entitled to the same rights as their male counterparts.
She faced her fair share of hardships — she was forced into an arranged marriage at the age of sixteen and was later sent to her death by guillotine for her radical views. Nevertheless, de Gouges’ call for equality and freedom dramatically changed the society of France — and beyond. Her work would inspire and empower the women of the French Revolution and of the generations to come.
#2. Ada Lovelace (1815–1852)
Today, computer programming is a field dominated largely by men. A recent survey by StackOverflow estimated that over 90% of software developers were men. However, the first programmer was… a woman!
As the wealthy, aristocratic daughter of famous poet Lord Byron, Lovelace was not expected to pursue an intellectually advanced education. However, her mother ensured that Lovelace would have access to advanced studies, unlocking Lovelace’s potential as a mathematical genius.
During her adult years, Lovelace befriended Charles Babbage, who is considered to be the father of the computer. Lovelace helped Babbage construct other computing devices. She also detailed how codes could be used to help computers process letters and symbols in the form of numbers. Furthermore, she expanded on the process of creating iterations and loops for computers — laying down the foundations of coding. For that, Lovelace irrevocably changed the world of technology and introduced the basics of computers, which now have an ubiquitous presence in the world today.
#3: Charlotte E. Ray (1850–1911)
Before the Civil Rights Movement created demands for racial inclusiveness, one African American woman became a champion of racial, gender, and socioeconomic equality.
Charlotte E. Ray became the first female African American lawyer in the U.S. as she graduated from Howard University’s law school and joined the District of Columbia bar. Born to a family that actively supported the abolitionist movement and rights for people of color, Ray carried a passion for racial equality throughout her life. Her family also instilled in her a love for learning, and she completed an advanced education — a feat rare for minority women at the time. Ray applied to Howard University under her initials as “C.E. Ray” — to disguise her gender and avoid discrimination, as some believe — and the rest was history.
As one of the first African Americans and females to practice law, Ray was a trailblazer. She was the first woman to argue cases before the Supreme Court, and one of the first women admitted to the D.C. bar. Though Ray’s career was short-lived under the tensions of prejudice, Ray continued to fight for her beliefs. In addition to being a teacher, Ray was a suffragette and a member of the National Association for Colored Women. For minorities and women alike, Ray was a pioneer in the professional world, opening doors and education for millions to follow.
#4: Anna May Wong (1905–1961)
Asian American actress Anna May Wong broke barriers in the entertainment industry during an age of discrimination. The early 1900s-era Hollywood was home to iconic films, as well as a history of blatant racism and stereotypes. During Wong’s time, many Asian roles were played by white actors and actresses in costume and makeup that perpetuated misconceptions and discriminatory attitudes toward Asians. Wong was one of the first Asian American women to star on the big screen, bringing representation to minority groups around the country.
As the young daughter of a Chinese laundryman, Wong first fell in love with cinema in Chinatown’s nickelodeons and nearby movie shoots. She was determined to become an actress — she often skipped school to watch film shoots and begged filmmakers to give her roles in their movies. She worked her way up the industry and received critical acclaim for her roles in the movies The Toll of the Sea and The Thief of Baghdad.
However, Wong was still typecast in roles that stereotyped Asian women as villains or exotic beauties. She later moved to Europe, escaping the discrimination to star in English and German films. She then starred on Broadway, wrote memoirs, and worked in radio and television. She continued to encounter stereotypes and typecasting in Hollywood, prompting her to publicly write about her experiences. She was vocal about the discrimination that she faced, and her career ultimately increased visibility in Hollywood for women of color.
#5: Bella Abzug (1920–1998)
Nicknamed Battling Bella, Bella Abzug was a prominent lawyer, activist, feminist, and legislator who shaped the American political climate with her powerful words and presence.
Abzug was the daughter of Russian immigrants and went on to study law at Columbia University. She worked for the American Civil Liberties Union, defending people of color and individuals accused of communist activity. Alongside feminists Betty Freidan and Gloria Steinem, Abzug established the National Women’s Political Caucus to fight for women’s rights. She also immersed herself in antinuclear and peace movements, raising awareness for the causes she championed.
Abzug completed a successful run for a seat in the U.S. Congress and became known for her outspoken, bold nature. She introduced bills to remove American troops from the Vietnam War and to provide more rights for gay individuals. She pushed the causes of equality and rights as a legislator, shaping the views of generations to come. A survivor of breast cancer, Abzug passed away from heart complications, but her legacy continues to live on today.
Keep Their Legacies and Stories Alive.
All of these women were pioneers in their fields, clearing the way for women behind them to follow. They changed the world with their revolutionary, controversial ideas. Though they’ve managed to create progress and change during their own times, their work is still unfinished.
Women’s rights may have come a long way since Olympe de Gouges published The Declaration of Women’s and Female Citizens’ Rights, but in the name of intersectionality, there are still rights to be won. Ada Lovelace may have introduced programming to the world, but women are still outnumbered in STEM fields. Charlotte E. Ray may have made history as an African American and female lawyer, but law still remains one of the least diverse fields today. Anna May Wong may have opened doors for minority movie stars, but yellowface and discrimination are still phenomenons that challenge representation today. Bella Abzug may have increased the rights of marginalized groups, but true equality has yet to come.
If you are a female, a feminist, or any person who desires equality for people, regardless of their gender and identity, you have the power to be a pioneer. You can advocate for the causes you care about, break stereotypes that pervade society, and raise awareness for your beliefs. To all of you — keep fighting. Keep writing herstory.
