Saturday, March 8 is International Women’s Day. On this day the world honors women who throughout history have contributed to the economic, social, political and cultural advancement of mankind.
Here in the U.S., history is full of important and notable women that have influenced this country for the better.
Their actions have garnered citizens’ rights and improvements in their everyday and professional lives. International Women’s Day is a day of recognition for their accomplishments and what they had to endure to achieve them. Here is a short list of women who made an impact:
Susan B. Anthony – Her work in the women’s suffrage movement played a pivotal role in securing women’s right to vote.
Harriet Tubman – She was an abolitionist and political activist that is best known for her work with the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape to freedom.
Jane Addams – A social worker and activist, she co-founded Hull House and was a leader in the settlement house movement.
Madam C.J. Walker – Was an entrepreneur and philanthropist, she was also one of the first African American women to become a self-made millionaire.
Rosa Parks – By her refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was a crucial event in the Civil Rights Movement.
Eleanor Roosevelt – Was a First Lady and a champion for human rights, social justice and women’s issues.
Amelia Earhart – Was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, she also became an enduring symbol of determination and courage.
Ruth Bader Ginsberg – She was the second woman to sit upon the U.S. Supreme Court. Her work in gender equality cases laid the groundwork for many of the legal protections women enjoy today.
Sandra Day O’Connor – Was first woman to serve in the U.S. Supreme Court. Her career and achievements propelled women forward in the U.S. legal profession.
Sally Ride – As the first American woman to travel into space, she broke through the glass ceiling and barriers against women in the field of science and space exploration.
These ten women have left an indelible mark on American history through their courage, determination and contributions and are just a small sampling of the notable American women to which the country is indebted.
