9 Women who have Shaped the Course of History

International Women's Day took place yesterday. As such, I thought I would celebrate by writing a post on female figures who I believe to be inspirational examples of womenkind. I have tried to avoid people such as Emmeline Pankhurst and Mother Teresa, who, although outstanding representations of female strength and integrity, have been rather overused, to the extent of becoming clichéd.

Aung San Suu Kyi

- "The education and empowerment of women...cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all."

Suu Kyi, the Burmese diplomat and politician, is deserving of her global recognition. Her fight for democracy led her to be placed under house arrest, where she remained for 15 years. During this period, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her unequivocal support for the cause.

Mary Wollstonecraft (Shelley)

- "I do not wish women to have power over men, but over themselves"

I am completely in awe of this women, as she utterly embodies the phrase 'girl power.' After winning a writing competition against 3 rather arrogant and already well established male writers, the result of which, Frankenstein, then went on to become one of the most well known horror stories that continues to be enjoyed. If this is not enough, she also edited the works of her husband (the famous Percy Shelley) and was an active campaigner for women's rights. Not that impressive then...

Marie Stopes

- "If the world is not safe for babies, you are never going to get a democracy worth having"

Although not the principal developer of contraceptives, Stopes made fundamental inroad into female contraception and sex education in the 20th century. Her work was highly controversial at the time, but it helped to reformulate attitudes towards women and sex. She was also a pioneer behind the first birth control clinic in Britain. Undoubtedly an influential figure in society at the time.

Hattie McDaniel

- "I'm letting no man handle my bank account"

This women requires little introduction, as she rather stands for herself. Simply put, she was a woman of firsts. The first African American to win an Oscar, the first black women to sing on the radio in the US, the first black Oscar winner on an American stamp, the list goes on. What is most overwhelming about her achievements, is that they happened at a time when racial discrimination was still rife. In fact, in 1940 when she won the award, the tables were segregated. Suddenly the recent kerfuffle at the 2017 Academy Awards seems rather inconsequential in comparison.

Frida Khalo

- "I was born a bitch"

Not only was she of the most iconic artists of her time, but she also showed extreme strength and resilience in the face of adversity. After suffering from multiple traumas that left her physically and mentally debilitated, she used her work as an outlet for external expression. Her art not only reflects her pain but also deals with conflicts of female experience.

Maya Angelou

- "I'm a feminist. I've been female for a long time now. I'd be stupid not to be on my own side."

What many do not know about Angelou, is that she had a career as a sex worker before becoming the acclaimed writer, actor and director that she is now known as. She was also a Civil Rights Activist who did not give into the oppressors.

Jennifer Lawrence

- "You don't want [people] to remember you as the girl with the tits. You want them to pay attention to what you're saying."

Few women as young as her have the balls to reject the constricted ideals that society adheres to. But Lawrence manages it.

We saw her completely transform the assumed female role as Disney princess, in her portrayal of Katniss Everdene. In doing so, she showed that women can be fierce and stand up for themselves and can be powerful in their own right. What I think is so great about her, is that she is not afraid to voice her opinion on things that matter, such as inequality and the pay gap.

So there we have it, a few women to look to for inspiration and remind you to continue to make your voice heard. In the words of Bob Marley, "stand up for your rights."

#opinion