Did you know March is National Women’s History month? Sadly, women in the typical history book are far and few between, even though they’ve contributed so much to get us to where we are today. This month is a great time to reflect on prominent women in history and to draw inspiration and encouragement from them. Here are five interesting, wonderful, all around badass women that you’ve probably never heard of- but will be glad you did!
Note: This month of recognition was established to honor women in American history, so I’ll only be focusing on women from the good ol’ US of A. There are wonderful women all over the world though, and I encourage you to learn about them as well!
1. Mae C. Jemison (1956-)
Jemison is an astronaut that made history in 1992 when she became the first African-American female to be in space (the first time a person was in space? 1961).
That’s not all she’s done, though. She studied in Cuba and Kenya and worked at a Cambodian refugee camp in Thailand. She also intensely studied and practiced dance. It doesn’t end there, though.
Jemison is also a doctor that taught and did research in the Peace Corps. I’m not done yet- when it was found out that Jemison is a big Star Trek fan she was asked to be on the show. This made her the first real astronaut to make an appearance. She has been given a long list of awards and accolades, and even had numerous schools named after her. Talk about a role model!
2. Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910)
Elizabeth Blackwell, M.D., was the first woman to graduate from medical school in the U.S. and is considered the nation’s first female doctor. She was dedicated to social reform, preventative healthcare, and advocacy for public health.
Blackwell also founded hospitals and medical colleges for women in both the U.S. and England, simultaneously breaking prejudicial barriers and opening doors for more women in the medical fields. Nursing major? Pre-Med? Make sure to thank Elizabeth Blackwell!
3. Katharine McCormick
We all have heard of Margaret Sanger and her devotion to reproductive health activism, but McCormick is a name we don’t hear. She was vice president and treasurer of the National American Woman Suffrage, vice president of the League of Women Voters, a biologist and the second woman to graduate from MIT.
After her husband’s death she was left a millionaire. She called up her friend Margaret Sanger and donated $2 million, which today’s equivalent would be $23 million! She also funded housing for women at MIT, enabling many women to pursue higher education. You go, girl!
4. Madam C.J. Walker (1867-1919)
Madam C.J. Walker was the first child of her family born into freedom after the Emancipation Proclamation, she was one of six siblings.
She was the first woman to make and market products for black women’s hair, and her business quickly took off, becoming the largest African-American owned business in the country. So not only did she become very rich, but she used her wealth for good.
She contributed to save the house of Frederick Douglass, donated money to the NAACP, the YMCA, and also to black schools, organizations, individuals, orphanages, and retirement homes, spent $10,000 early towards the education of young black people, joined the NAACP in their efforts to make lynching a federal crime, and went to the White House to petition in favor of anti-lynching legislation.
So yeah, she’s kind of a big deal. By the time of her death, Walker was not only the wealthiest black woman in America- she was also the nation’s first female self-made millionaire.
5. Hedy Lamarr (1914-2000)
Lamarr was an Austrian-American actress that, besides being known for being insanely gorgeous, is the reason you are able to read this very article right now. She, along with inventor George Anthiel received a patent for technology that altered radio frequencies in order to prevent anyone from decoding messages. It was intended to be a blow against the German nazis, but also led to something we all know and love; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology. She was the first woman to receive a BULBIE™ Gnass Spirit of Achievement Award, which is a lifetime achievement award for invention.
And as a bonus, here are just some of the inventions created by women:windshield wipers, kevlar, fire escapes, globes, rolling pins, medical syringes, apgar tests, circular saws, car heaters, monopoly, life rafts, residential solar heating, electric refrigerators, dishwashers, CCTV, and wait for it- beer.
Happy National Women’s History Month!