March is Women’s History Month, reminding us to honor women for their strength and authority. This month allows us to honor some of the most influential and dynamic women of the past and the present, who’ve helped shape our world today. In honor of their heroic qualities, we’ve highlighted several women who’ve contributed largely to redefining womanhood all around the world.
Helen Keller
Date of birth: June 27, 1880
Occupation: Author/political activist
Why she’s notable?
Helen Keller was born blind and deaf, but that didn’t stop her from achieving her goals. She was the first deaf and blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts, and she campaigned for women’s suffrage, socialism and many other causes. She was one of the most famous activists of her time and was even inducted into the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame. Keller has inspired women all around the world, especially disabled women, to embody the strength they were born with despite their disabilities.
Maya Angelou
Date of birth: April 4, 1928 to May 28, 2014
Occupation: Poet / civil rights activist / author
Why she’s notable?
“Still I Rise” is one of Maya Angelou’s most famous works, a simple piece of eloquently words reminding women of their power. Angelou is widely known for her poems, and President Barack Obama presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. The talented Angelou has danced alongside Alvin Ailey, marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and inspired many women to embrace their beauty with her famous poem “Phenomenal Woman.” Angelou was a timeless legend who continues to inspire women everywhere.
Jane Goodall
Date of birth: April 3, 1934
Occupation: Primatologist/UN Messenger or Peace
Why she’s notable?
There are very few women in the world who are able to surpass the compassion Jane Goodall has shown and taught many of us. Goodall is widely recognized for her 55-year study of the social interaction of wild chimpanzees. She’s the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, which focuses on wildlife and environment conservation, and has served on the board of Nonhuman Rights Program since 1996. Goodall’s concern for the environment and animal welfare has reminded us of the true essence of Mother Nature.
Anna Wintour
Date of birth: Nov. 3, 1949
Occupation: Artistic Director for Condé Nast
Why she’s notable?
A precisely cut bob and dark sunglasses is the one look Wintour won’t retire. This icon’s name alone speaks volumes in the fashion world. As the editor-in-chief of Vogue for more than 25 years, she single handedly selected who’s-who in in the fashion industry, and has the ability to make or break a career with a simple head-nod. While Wintour is known for her demanding personality, she is best known for her creative artistic ways of promoting femininity and beauty in magazines.
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles
Date of birth: Sept. 4, 1981
Occupation: Singer/songwriter/producer/actress/feminist/boss
Why she’s notable?
Since the tender age of 7, Beyoncé has managed to mesmerize people with her remarkable singing abilities. Starting her career as the main singer of Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé has easily made the world fall dangerously in love with her year after year. Beyoncé has been an inspiration to many young women, encouraging them to stand up for their rights and demand equality. She has sold more than 135 million records, won more than 20 Grammys and is recognized by Forbes as one of the highest paid women today. Not only will she go down in history as one of the greatest entertainers in the world, but also one the most influential women of our time.
Misty Copeland
Date of birth: Sept. 10, 1982
Occupation: Ballerina
Why she’s notable?
Copeland is the third African-American soloist to dance for American Ballet Theater, one of most prominent classical ballet companies in the United States. Though she started dancing at the late age of 13, Copeland’s skill and technique lead to her career as an award-winning ballerina. Not only does Copeland inspire African-American ballet dancers all around the world, but she also she gives young girls the motivation to go after their dream despite their age.
Malala Yousafzai
Date of birth: July 12, 1997
Occupation: Pakistani activist for female education
Why she’s notable?
Mala Yousafzai is the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner. This modern-day heroine has been an inspiration for many Pakistani women who’ve been threatened and attacked for trying to earn an education. On Oct. 9, 2012, Yousafzai was shot three times by a Pakistani gunman on her way home from school. Her attack sparked national attention for many reasons — one of them being her strength. The tenacity and fearlessness that the 17-year-old Yousafzai possesses in undeniably the mark of a new generation of activists.
