Throughout history, extraordinary women have shaped civilizations, advanced human knowledge, fought for justice, and transformed society—often against overwhelming odds. From ancient queens who ruled empires to modern scientists who unlocked the secrets of the universe, these women didn’t just participate in history—they made it.
This comprehensive guide celebrates 100 women whose influence transcended their lifetimes, breaking barriers and creating lasting change across politics, science, human rights, literature, exploration, and innovation.
Understanding Historical Influence: Our Selection Criteria
We’ve focused on women who:
- Created lasting change in their fields or societies
- Overcame significant barriers related to gender discrimination
- Influenced subsequent generations of leaders and thinkers
- Achieved firsts that opened doors for others
- Left measurable impact on human civilization
- Demonstrated courage in the face of opposition
This list spans continents, cultures, and millennia, recognizing that influence takes many forms—from scientific discoveries to political leadership, from artistic innovation to social reform.
Ancient World Influencers (3000 BCE – 500 CE)
1. Cleopatra VII (69-30 BCE)
Why She Matters: The last active pharaoh of Egypt, Cleopatra was a skilled diplomat, naval commander, and linguist who spoke nine languages. She forged strategic alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, maintaining Egypt’s independence during Rome’s expansion. Beyond the romanticized legend, she was a shrewd political operator who ruled one of the ancient world’s wealthiest kingdoms.
Lasting Impact: Her legacy influenced how female rulers would be portrayed for millennia—both the power they could wield and the scrutiny they would face.
2. Hatshepsut (1507-1458 BCE)
Why She Matters: One of Egypt’s most successful pharaohs, Hatshepsut ruled for over 20 years during the New Kingdom. She launched building projects, re-established trade networks, and brought prosperity to Egypt. Initially serving as regent, she eventually declared herself pharaoh—unprecedented for a woman.
Lasting Impact: Her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari remains one of ancient Egypt’s architectural masterpieces.
3. Hypatia of Alexandria (c. 350-415 CE)
Why She Matters: Mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher, Hypatia was head of the Neoplatonic school in Alexandria. She taught philosophy and astronomy, wrote commentaries on mathematical works, and invented the astrolabe and hydrometer. Her murder by religious zealots marked the decline of Alexandria’s intellectual tradition.
Lasting Impact: She became a symbol of learning and science standing against ignorance and religious fanaticism.
4. Boudica (died c. 61 CE)
Why She Matters: Celtic queen who led a major uprising against Roman occupation of Britain. After Roman soldiers brutalized her and her daughters, she united Celtic tribes and nearly drove Rome from Britain, destroying several Roman settlements including Londinium (London).
Lasting Impact: Symbol of resistance against empire and oppression; her statue stands near the British Parliament.
5. Empress Wu Zetian (624-705 CE)
Why She Matters: The only woman in Chinese history to rule as emperor in her own right. She rose from concubine to empress consort to emperor, ruling during the Tang Dynasty’s golden age. She expanded China’s borders, reformed government, promoted education, and supported Buddhism.
Lasting Impact: Proved women could rule effectively in Confucian China, though subsequent dynasties worked to erase her accomplishments.
Medieval Pioneers (500-1500 CE)
6. Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204)
Why She Matters: One of medieval Europe’s most powerful women, Eleanor was Queen of France, then Queen of England. She accompanied the Second Crusade, ruled as regent, patronized artists and poets, and mothered two English kings (Richard the Lionheart and John).
Lasting Impact: Her court in Aquitaine became a center of courtly love literature; she influenced medieval politics for over 60 years.
7. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179)
Why She Matters: German Benedictine abbess, writer, composer, philosopher, mystic, and visionary. She wrote theological, botanical, and medicinal texts, composed liturgical music that’s still performed today, and corresponded with popes and emperors. She founded two monasteries and went on four preaching tours—extraordinary for a medieval woman.
Lasting Impact: Left 400+ letters, 70+ songs, and numerous scientific works; considered a polymath centuries ahead of her time.
8. Joan of Arc (1412-1431)
Why She Matters: French peasant girl who claimed divine guidance to lead French forces against England during the Hundred Years’ War. She lifted the Siege of Orléans and ensured Charles VII’s coronation. Captured, tried for heresy, and burned at the stake at age 19, she was later canonized as a saint.
Lasting Impact: Symbol of French unity and female courage; influenced nationalist movements worldwide.
9. Christine de Pizan (1364-1430)
Why She Matters: Europe’s first professional female writer, Christine supported herself and her family through writing after her husband’s death. Her work “The Book of the City of Ladies” defended women’s contributions to society and challenged misogynistic literature—making her an early feminist thinker.
Lasting Impact: Pioneered feminist literature; proved women could earn respect as intellectuals.
10. Murasaki Shikibu (c. 978-1014)
Why She Matters: Japanese noblewoman and author of “The Tale of Genji,” often considered the world’s first novel. This psychological masterwork depicted Heian court life with unprecedented depth and complexity.
Lasting Impact: Revolutionized literature by creating psychological fiction; influenced Japanese culture for a millennium.
Renaissance and Reformation (1500-1700)
11. Elizabeth I of England (1533-1603)
Why She Matters: England’s greatest monarch presided over a golden age of exploration, literature, and prosperity. She never married, using her eligibility as a diplomatic tool. Her defeat of the Spanish Armada established England as a naval power. The Elizabethan Era produced Shakespeare, Drake, and Raleigh.
Lasting Impact: Transformed England into a major European power; proved unmarried female monarchs could rule successfully.
12. Catherine the Great (1729-1796)
Why She Matters: German-born empress who ruled Russia for 34 years, expanding its territory significantly. She championed Enlightenment ideals, corresponded with Voltaire, founded schools and hospitals, and modernized Russia’s legal system. She was an art collector whose acquisitions formed the Hermitage Museum.
Lasting Impact: Transformed Russia into a European great power; advanced education and culture.
13. Queen Isabella I of Castile (1451-1504)
Why She Matters: With husband Ferdinand, unified Spain and sponsored Columbus’s voyage to the Americas. She reformed Spanish government, supported the arts and sciences, and established Spain as a world power. Complex legacy includes establishing the Spanish Inquisition.
Lasting Impact: Her sponsorship of Columbus changed world history; united Spain into a global empire.
14. Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1656)
Why She Matters: Italian Baroque painter who became the first woman accepted into Florence’s prestigious Accademia delle Arti del Disegno. Despite surviving sexual assault and a brutal public trial, she created powerful works featuring strong biblical heroines. She received commissions from European royalty.
Lasting Impact: Proved women could master artistic techniques reserved for men; influenced generations of female artists.
15. Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797)
Why She Matters: British writer and philosopher whose “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman” (1792) argued that women weren’t naturally inferior to men but appeared so due to lack of education. She advocated for women’s education, rational companionship in marriage, and women’s participation in public life.
Lasting Impact: Founded modern feminist philosophy; influenced suffrage movements worldwide.
Age of Revolution and Reform (1700-1850)
16. Sojourner Truth (c. 1797-1883)
Why She Matters: Born into slavery as Isabella Baumfree, she escaped to freedom and became a powerful abolitionist and women’s rights advocate. Her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech challenged prevailing notions about racial and gender inferiority. She recruited Black troops during the Civil War and fought for freed slaves’ land rights.
Lasting Impact: Linked abolition and women’s rights movements; symbol of Black women’s activism.
17. Harriet Tubman (c. 1822-1913)
Why She Matters: Escaped slavery then returned South approximately 13 times via the Underground Railroad, leading about 70 enslaved people to freedom. During the Civil War, she served as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army, even leading an armed raid that freed over 700 enslaved people.
Lasting Impact: Symbol of courage and liberation; will appear on the U.S. $20 bill.
18. Florence Nightingale (1820-1910)
Why She Matters: Founder of modern nursing, Nightingale revolutionized hospital sanitation and patient care during the Crimean War. She used statistics to demonstrate how sanitation reduced mortality rates—pioneering data visualization. Her training school established nursing as a respected profession for women.
Lasting Impact: Established nursing as a profession; her sanitation reforms saved countless lives.
19. Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896)
Why She Matters: Author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” the best-selling novel of the 19th century and second only to the Bible. The book galvanized anti-slavery sentiment in the North and created international outrage against American slavery. Lincoln allegedly called her “the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war.”
Lasting Impact: Demonstrated literature’s power to change public opinion and influence politics.
20. Queen Victoria (1819-1901)
Why She Matters: Britain’s longest-reigning monarch until Elizabeth II, Victoria ruled during Britain’s industrial revolution and imperial expansion. The Victorian Era saw unprecedented technological advancement, global trade expansion, and cultural influence. She restored dignity to the British monarchy after her unpopular uncles.
Lasting Impact: Her reign defined an era; her descendants include most European royal families.
Science and Medicine Pioneers (1800-1900)
21. Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Why She Matters: First woman to win a Nobel Prize, first person to win Nobel Prizes in two sciences (Physics 1903, Chemistry 1911), and first woman professor at the University of Paris. She discovered radium and polonium, coined “radioactivity,” and developed mobile X-ray units during WWI that saved countless soldiers.
Lasting Impact: Opened physics and chemistry to women; her work laid foundations for nuclear physics and cancer treatment.
22. Ada Lovelace (1815-1852)
Why She Matters: Mathematician who worked with Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine. Her notes included what’s recognized as the first computer algorithm, making her the world’s first computer programmer—a century before computers existed.
Lasting Impact: Envisioned computers’ potential beyond calculation; inspired computer science’s development.
23. Florence Nightingale (covered above in #18)
24. Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910)
Why She Matters: First woman to receive a medical degree in the United States (1849). She opened her own practice when hospitals refused her, eventually founding the New York Infirmary for Women and Children. She established medical schools for women in both America and Britain.
Lasting Impact: Opened medicine to women; proved women could be competent physicians.
25. Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958)
Why She Matters: British chemist whose X-ray crystallography work was crucial to discovering DNA’s double helix structure. Her “Photo 51” provided key evidence, though Watson and Crick received credit and the Nobel Prize. She also made significant contributions to understanding viruses.
Lasting Impact: Her work was fundamental to understanding genetics; highlighted gender discrimination in science.
Suffrage and Women’s Rights (1850-1920)
26. Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906)
Why She Matters: Dedicated her life to women’s suffrage, traveling extensively to lecture and organize. She was arrested for voting illegally in 1872. She co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association and testified before every Congress from 1869 to 1906 advocating for women’s voting rights.
Lasting Impact: Her tireless work culminated in the 19th Amendment, passed 14 years after her death.
27. Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902)
Why She Matters: Organized the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention and wrote the Declaration of Sentiments, modeled on the Declaration of Independence but asserting women’s equality. She co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association and advocated for women’s property rights, employment opportunities, and divorce law reform.
Lasting Impact: Launched the organized women’s rights movement in America.
28. Emmeline Pankhurst (1858-1928)
Why She Matters: British suffragette who founded the Women’s Social and Political Union. Her militant tactics—including hunger strikes and property destruction—brought attention to women’s suffrage. She was imprisoned numerous times and force-fed during hunger strikes.
Lasting Impact: Women got the vote in Britain in 1918; her confrontational tactics influenced protest movements worldwide.
29. Ida B. Wells (1862-1931)
Why She Matters: Investigative journalist who documented lynching in America, courageously exposing it as a tool of racial terror rather than crime punishment. She co-founded the NAACP, fought for women’s suffrage, and advocated for Black women’s rights when white suffragists excluded them.
Lasting Impact: Pioneered investigative journalism; brought international attention to American racial violence.
30. Margaret Sanger (1879-1966)
Why She Matters: Opened America’s first birth control clinic and founded what became Planned Parenthood. She fought obscenity laws that banned contraceptive information, was arrested repeatedly, and helped develop the first birth control pill. Complex legacy includes involvement with eugenics movement.
Lasting Impact: Made birth control legal and accessible; fundamentally changed women’s reproductive autonomy.
Revolutionary Leaders and Activists (1900-1950)
31. Rosa Luxemburg (1871-1919)
Why She Matters: Polish-German Marxist theorist and revolutionary who co-founded the Spartacus League, precursor to the German Communist Party. Her writings on imperialism, capitalism, and democracy influenced leftist thought. She was murdered during the Spartacist uprising.
Lasting Impact: Her democratic socialist theories influenced political movements; proved women could be serious political theorists.
32. Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962)
Why She Matters: Transformed the role of First Lady from ceremonial to substantive, holding press conferences, writing a daily newspaper column, and advocating for civil rights. After FDR’s death, she chaired the UN committee that drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Lasting Impact: Redefined what First Ladies could accomplish; her human rights work influenced international law.
33. Golda Meir (1898-1978)
Why She Matters: Israel’s first and only female Prime Minister, Golda Meir was a founder of the state of Israel and key figure in its early survival. She was Foreign Minister before becoming PM, leading Israel during the Yom Kippur War. She was described as the “Iron Lady” before Margaret Thatcher.
Lasting Impact: Proved women could lead nations during wartime; inspired female political leaders globally.
34. Indira Gandhi (1917-1984)
Why She Matters: India’s first and only female Prime Minister, serving four terms. Daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, she led India through the 1971 war with Pakistan, conducted nuclear tests, and implemented significant agricultural reforms. Her emergency rule (1975-77) was controversial but she remained highly influential.
Lasting Impact: Shaped modern India; demonstrated women could lead populous democracies.
35. Benazir Bhutto (1953-2007)
Why She Matters: First woman to lead a Muslim-majority nation, serving as Pakistan’s Prime Minister twice. Despite military coups, exile, and assassination attempts, she fought for democracy. She was assassinated while campaigning in 2007.
Lasting Impact: Proved women could lead in conservative societies; martyrdom made her symbol of democratic aspiration.
Civil Rights and Social Justice (1950-2000)
36. Rosa Parks (1913-2005)
Why She Matters: Her refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. Contrary to myth, this wasn’t spontaneous—she was an experienced NAACP activist who made a strategic choice to challenge segregation.
Lasting Impact: Her courage catalyzed the modern Civil Rights Movement; proved individual acts could spark mass movements.
37. Coretta Scott King (1927-2006)
Why She Matters: Civil rights activist in her own right before marrying Martin Luther King Jr., she continued leading the movement after his assassination. She founded the King Center, fought for MLK Day as a federal holiday, opposed apartheid, and advocated for LGBTQ+ rights.
Lasting Impact: Kept her husband’s legacy alive; expanded civil rights advocacy to economic justice and peace.
38. Betty Friedan (1921-2006)
Why She Matters: Her book “The Feminine Mystique” (1963) challenged the idea that women found fulfillment solely through homemaking, sparking second-wave feminism. She co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) and fought for workplace equality, reproductive rights, and the Equal Rights Amendment.
Lasting Impact: Launched modern feminist movement; changed how society viewed women’s roles.
39. Gloria Steinem (1934-present)
Why She Matters: Journalist and feminist organizer who co-founded Ms. Magazine, the first national magazine run by women. She advocated for reproductive rights, workplace equality, and intersectional feminism. Her investigative work and eloquent advocacy made feminism accessible to mainstream America.
Lasting Impact: Popularized feminism; continues advocating for women’s equality into her 90s.
40. Dolores Huerta (1930-present)
Why She Matters: Co-founded the National Farmworkers Association (later United Farm Workers) with Cesar Chavez. She organized strikes and boycotts that won labor rights for agricultural workers, negotiated contracts, and coined the slogan “Sí, se puede” (Yes, we can).
Lasting Impact: Secured rights for America’s most vulnerable workers; model for Latina leadership and labor organizing.
Science and Technology Revolutionaries (1900-2000)
41. Grace Hopper (1906-1992)
Why She Matters: Computer science pioneer who developed the first compiler for computer programming languages and contributed to COBOL development. Navy rear admiral who helped develop the Mark I computer. She popularized the term “debugging” after removing an actual moth from a computer.
Lasting Impact: Made programming accessible through compilers; paved the way for modern software development.
42. Rachel Carson (1907-1964)
Why She Matters: Marine biologist and conservationist whose book “Silent Spring” (1962) challenged pesticide use and sparked the environmental movement. Despite industry attacks and health challenges, she testified before Congress, leading to DDT bans and creating the EPA.
Lasting Impact: Founded modern environmentalism; changed how humanity views our relationship with nature.
43. Jane Goodall (1934-present)
Why She Matters: Primatologist whose groundbreaking research with wild chimpanzees in Tanzania revolutionized our understanding of animal behavior, consciousness, and evolution. She discovered that chimps make tools, eat meat, and have complex social structures—challenging assumptions about human uniqueness.
Lasting Impact: Transformed primatology and conservation; continues environmental advocacy through her Institute.
44. Barbara McClintock (1902-1992)
Why She Matters: Geneticist who discovered genetic transposition—”jumping genes”—revolutionizing understanding of genetic regulation. Her work was dismissed for decades before she won the Nobel Prize in 1983 at age 81. She worked with maize, developing methods still used in genetics research.
Lasting Impact: Changed genetics fundamentally; proved importance of persistent scientific inquiry despite skepticism.
45. Mae Jemison (1956-present)
Why She Matters: First African American woman in space (1992), also a physician, engineer, and entrepreneur. She founded companies advancing technology in developing countries and leads 100 Year Starship project for interstellar travel.
Lasting Impact: Inspired generations of women and people of color to pursue STEM; demonstrated no field is off-limits.
Arts and Literature Influencers (1800-2000)
46. Jane Austen (1775-1817)
Why She Matters: English novelist whose witty social commentary and complex female characters revolutionized literature. Works like “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma” combined romance with sharp observations about class, marriage, and women’s limited options. Her irony and psychological insight influenced all subsequent fiction.
Lasting Impact: Helped establish the novel as serious literature; created templates for literary heroines.
47. Virginia Woolf (1882-1941)
Why She Matters: Modernist writer whose experimental novels like “Mrs. Dalloway” and “To the Lighthouse” pioneered stream-of-consciousness narrative. Her essay “A Room of One’s Own” argued women needed financial independence and private space to create art—a feminist literary landmark.
Lasting Impact: Revolutionized narrative technique; articulated barriers facing women writers.
48. Maya Angelou (1928-2014)
Why She Matters: Poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist whose autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” candidly discussed racism, trauma, and resilience. She worked with Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., spoke six languages, and wrote powerful poetry about Black women’s experiences.
Lasting Impact: Gave voice to Black women’s experiences; proved poetry could be both accessible and profound.
49. Toni Morrison (1931-2019)
Why She Matters: Nobel Prize-winning novelist whose works explored African American experience with unprecedented literary sophistication. “Beloved,” “Song of Solomon,” and other novels confronted slavery’s legacy, racism, and Black identity. She was also an influential editor who championed Black writers.
Lasting Impact: Established African American literature as central to American canon; influenced generations of writers.
50. Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)
Why She Matters: Mexican artist whose surrealist self-portraits explored identity, pain, and Mexican culture. Despite debilitating injuries from a bus accident and a tumultuous marriage to Diego Rivera, she created powerful work that challenged beauty standards and celebrated indigenous Mexican heritage.
Lasting Impact: Became symbol of female creativity and resilience; influenced feminist art and Chicana identity.
Human Rights Champions (1950-present)
51. Wangari Maathai (1940-2011)
Why She Matters: Kenyan environmentalist who founded the Green Belt Movement, which planted over 50 million trees while empowering women. First African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (2004), she linked environmental conservation with democracy and peace.
Lasting Impact: Demonstrated connection between environment, poverty, and conflict; model for grassroots environmental activism.
52. Malala Yousafzai (1997-present)
Why She Matters: Pakistani activist for female education who survived Taliban assassination attempt at age 15. Youngest Nobel Prize laureate (at 17), she continues advocating globally for girls’ education through her foundation. Her courage inspired millions and brought attention to education access.
Lasting Impact: Symbol of resilience and education advocacy; proves young people can change the world.
53. Aung San Suu Kyi (1945-present)
Why She Matters: Burmese pro-democracy leader who spent 15 years under house arrest while peacefully opposing military dictatorship. Won Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. Complex legacy includes later failure to protect Rohingya minority as civilian leader.
Lasting Impact: Symbol of peaceful resistance; highlighted democracy struggles in Southeast Asia.
54. Rigoberta Menchú (1959-present)
Why She Matters: Indigenous Guatemalan activist who brought international attention to Guatemala’s civil war and indigenous peoples’ rights. Won Nobel Peace Prize in 1992 for her work advocating for indigenous rights and social justice in Central America.
Lasting Impact: Gave voice to indigenous peoples globally; influenced Latin American indigenous rights movements.
55. Shirin Ebadi (1947-present)
Why She Matters: Iranian lawyer and judge who became the first Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (2003). She defended political prisoners, women, and children facing death penalty, advocating for human rights within Islamic framework despite persecution.
Lasting Impact: Proved Islam and human rights are compatible; inspired Muslim women’s rights advocates.
Modern Political Leaders (1970-present)
56. Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013)
Why She Matters: Britain’s first female Prime Minister (1979-1990) and longest-serving PM of the 20th century. Her free-market policies, called “Thatcherism,” transformed Britain’s economy. Polarizing figure who reduced unions’ power, privatized industries, and pursued hard-line foreign policy.
Lasting Impact: Proved women could lead major powers; her economic policies influenced global conservatism.
57. Angela Merkel (1954-present)
Why She Matters: Germany’s first female Chancellor, serving 16 years (2005-2021). A scientist from East Germany, she led Europe through financial crisis, refugee crisis, and pandemic. Called “the leader of the free world” during Trump presidency, she championed European unity and pragmatic centrism.
Lasting Impact: Most powerful woman in modern politics; demonstrated crisis leadership and steady governance.
58. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (1938-present)
Why She Matters: Africa’s first elected female head of state, serving as Liberia’s President (2006-2018). She led post-civil war reconstruction, fought corruption, and won the Nobel Peace Prize. Her leadership helped stabilize Liberia and advance women’s political participation in Africa.
Lasting Impact: Broke gender barriers in African politics; model for post-conflict nation-building.
59. Jacinda Ardern (1980-present)
Why She Matters: New Zealand’s Prime Minister (2017-2023) known for empathetic leadership during Christchurch mosque shootings and COVID-19 pandemic. She brought her baby to UN General Assembly, normalized working motherhood in politics, and prioritized wellbeing over GDP growth.
Lasting Impact: Redefined political leadership with compassion; inspired millennial political engagement.
60. Kamala Harris (1964-present)
Why She Matters: First woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American Vice President of the United States (2021-present). Previously California’s Attorney General and U.S. Senator, she broke multiple barriers and represents increasing diversity in American leadership.
Lasting Impact: Historic firsts opened doors for future generations; symbol of American demographic change.
Business and Innovation Leaders (1950-present)
61. Oprah Winfrey (1954-present)
Why She Matters: Built media empire from local talk show to global brand including OWN network, magazine, and production company. First Black female billionaire whose influence shaped American culture, book sales, and political discourse. Her philanthropy focused on education, particularly for girls in South Africa.
Lasting Impact: Revolutionized media; proved Black women could succeed in business at highest levels.
62. Sheryl Sandberg (1969-present)
Why She Matters: Facebook/Meta COO who helped build the company into a tech giant. Her book “Lean In” sparked global conversation about women in leadership, though critics noted it focused on elite women. She advocates for women in technology and leadership positions.
Lasting Impact: Brought women’s workplace challenges into mainstream discussion; influenced corporate diversity efforts.
63. Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020)
Why She Matters: Supreme Court Justice who spent her career fighting gender discrimination. As an attorney, she argued landmark cases establishing women’s equal protection under law. As a justice for 27 years, she wrote influential opinions on gender equality, voting rights, and civil liberties.
Lasting Impact: Legal architect of gender equality; her dissents inspired legislation and social movements.
64. Melinda French Gates (1964-present)
Why She Matters: Philanthropist who co-chaired the Gates Foundation, directing billions toward global health, education, and women’s empowerment. Her focus on family planning, maternal health, and women’s economic opportunity influenced global development priorities.
Lasting Impact: Changed philanthropic landscape; advanced women’s issues in global development.
65. Ursula von der Leyen (1958-present)
Why She Matters: First woman President of the European Commission (2019-present), leading EU’s executive branch. Previously Germany’s Defense Minister, she navigated Brexit, COVID-19 pandemic, and Russian invasion of Ukraine while pushing green energy transition.
Lasting Impact: Leads world’s largest trading bloc during crisis period; strengthens European unity.
Scientific Groundbreakers (2000-present)
66. Tu Youyou (1930-present)
Why She Matters: Chinese pharmaceutical chemist who discovered artemisinin, a malaria treatment that has saved millions of lives. First Chinese woman to win a Nobel Prize in science (2015). Her research drew on traditional Chinese medicine to find modern cures.
Lasting Impact: Saved millions from malaria; bridged traditional and modern medicine.
67. Jennifer Doudna (1964-present)
Why She Matters: Biochemist who co-developed CRISPR gene-editing technology, winning the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This revolutionary tool allows precise genetic modification, with applications from curing diseases to improving crops. She advocates for ethical use of the technology.
Lasting Impact: CRISPR will transform medicine and agriculture; raises profound ethical questions about human genetic modification.
68. Katalin Karikó (1955-present)
Why She Matters: Hungarian biochemist whose research on mRNA made COVID-19 vaccines possible. Despite decades of skepticism and limited funding, she persisted in studying mRNA therapeutics. Her work enabled rapid vaccine development that saved millions of lives.
Lasting Impact: mRNA technology will revolutionize medicine; proved importance of basic research.
69. Fabiola Gianotti (1960-present)
Why She Matters: Italian particle physicist and first woman Director-General of CERN. She led teams that discovered the Higgs boson particle, confirming the Standard Model of particle physics. She oversees the world’s largest particle physics laboratory.
Lasting Impact: Confirmed fundamental physics theory; leads cutting-edge scientific research.
70. Katie Bouman (1989-present)
Why She Matters: Computer scientist who developed algorithms crucial to creating the first image of a black hole. Her work in computational imaging advanced how we visualize cosmic phenomena. She inspires young women in STEM fields.
Lasting Impact: Made the invisible visible; represents new generation of women in physics and computer science.
Cultural and Social Influencers (1960-present)
71. bell hooks (1952-2021)
Why She Matters: Scholar and activist whose writings on race, gender, and class shaped intersectional feminism. Her accessible writing style brought academic feminist theory to broader audiences. Works like “Ain’t I a Woman” and “Feminist Theory” influenced generations of activists.
Lasting Impact: Developed intersectional feminist theory; made feminism accessible and inclusive.
72. Audre Lorde (1934-1992)
Why She Matters: Black feminist, lesbian, poet, and activist whose writings explored intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and class. Her poetry and essays like “Sister Outsider” articulated experiences of multiple marginalized identities and inspired intersectional activism.
Lasting Impact: Pioneered intersectional thought; gave voice to marginalized women’s experiences.
73. Angela Davis (1944-present)
Why She Matters: Political activist, philosopher, and scholar focused on prison abolition, racial justice, and feminism. Her imprisonment and trial in 1970-72 sparked international “Free Angela” movement. She continues advocating for transformative justice and systemic change.
Lasting Impact: Prison abolition movement owes much to her work; connects historical and contemporary struggles.
74. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (1977-present)
Why She Matters: Nigerian writer whose novels explore African identity, feminism, and immigration. Her TED talk “We Should All Be Feminists” reached millions and became a book. She articulates African feminism distinct from Western feminism, influencing global feminist discourse.
Lasting Impact: Brings African perspectives to global feminism; her accessible feminism resonates across cultures.
75. Greta Thunberg (2003-present)
Why She Matters: Swedish climate activist who started school strikes for climate at age 15, inspiring global youth movement. Her direct, uncompromising rhetoric holds world leaders accountable. Time Person of the Year 2019, she represents youth demanding climate action.
Lasting Impact: Mobilized millions of young people; shifted climate discourse toward urgency.
Humanitarian and Healthcare Heroes
76. Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
Why She Matters: Albanian-Indian nun who founded Missionaries of Charity, serving the poorest in Calcutta’s slums. She opened hospices, orphanages, and leper colonies globally. Won Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Complex legacy includes criticism of her facilities’ conditions and stance on abortion.
Lasting Impact: Symbol of selfless service; inspired countless humanitarian workers.
77. Princess Diana (1961-1997)
Why She Matters: British royal who used her platform to destigmatize AIDS by touching patients when others feared contact, highlighted landmine dangers, and supported homeless charities. Her death sparked unprecedented public grief and changed the monarchy.
‘s relationship with the public.
Lasting Impact: Humanized monarchy; changed how celebrities engage with humanitarian causes.
78. Dr. Joycelyn Elders (1933-present)
Why She Matters: First African American U.S. Surgeon General (1993-94), she was a controversial advocate for comprehensive sex education, drug legalization discussion, and contraception access. Though forced to resign for frankness, she advanced public health discourse.
Lasting Impact: Spoke honestly about taboo health topics; paved way for frank public health communication.
79. Dr. Patricia Bath (1942-2019)
Why She Matters: First African American woman doctor to receive a patent for a medical invention (Laserphaco Probe for cataract treatment). She co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness and traveled globally performing eye surgeries in underserved communities.
Lasting Impact: Advanced ophthalmology; increased healthcare access for marginalized communities.
80. Leymah Gbowee (1972-present)
Why She Matters: Liberian peace activist who led women’s peace movement that helped end Liberia’s civil war. Organized sex strikes and protests that forced warring factions to negotiate. Won Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for non-violent struggle for women’s safety and rights.
Lasting Impact: Proved women’s collective action can end wars; model for peace-building.
Education and Youth Advocates
81. Marva Collins (1936-2015)
Why She Matters: Educator who founded Westside Preparatory School in Chicago, transforming the lives of students others had written off. Her methods proved that with high expectations and rigorous classical education, inner-city students could excel. She refused Education Secretary positions to remain in classroom.
Lasting Impact: Demonstrated all children can learn with proper instruction; influenced education reform.
82. Marian Wright Edelman (1939-present)
Why She Matters: Founded Children’s Defense Fund, America’s strongest advocacy organization for children. First Black woman admitted to Mississippi bar, she’s fought for child poverty reduction, health care, and education for over 50 years. Mentored many civil rights and political leaders.
Lasting Impact: Made children’s welfare a political priority; influenced generations of advocates.
83. Jaime Escalante (1930-2010) [Note: Male, including notable woman instead]
83. Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1648-1695)
Why She Matters: Mexican nun, scholar, and poet who defended women’s right to education in colonial Mexico. Her intellectual works challenged gender restrictions in the Catholic Church. She’s considered the first feminist of the Americas.
Lasting Impact: Early advocate for women’s education; influenced Latin American feminist thought.
84. Maria Montessori (1870-1952)
Why She Matters: Italian physician who developed the Montessori educational method emphasizing independence, hands-on learning, and respect for children’s natural development. Her schools spread worldwide, influencing modern education philosophy.
Lasting Impact: Montessori schools operate globally; her child-centered approach influenced progressive education.
85. Kiran Bedi (1949-present)
Why She Matters: India’s first female police officer who became known for prison reform, anti-corruption campaigns, and innovative community policing. She won UN Human Rights Prize and Magsaysay Award for transforming Delhi’s Tihar Prison into a rehabilitation center.
Lasting Impact: Reformed Indian policing and prison systems; inspired women to join law enforcement.
Sports and Athletics Pioneers
86. Billie Jean King (1943-present) [Covered extensively in previous article]
Fought for equal prize money in tennis and defeated Bobby Riggs in “Battle of the Sexes.”
87. Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994) [Covered extensively in previous article]
Overcame polio to become the fastest woman in the world, winning three Olympic golds.
88. Kathrine Switzer (1947-present)
Why She Matters: First woman to officially run the Boston Marathon (1967) when an official tried to physically remove her from the race. She continued running and later created women’s running programs globally. Her activism led to women’s marathon becoming an Olympic event in 1984.
Lasting Impact: Opened distance running to women; proved women could compete in endurance sports.
89. Serena Williams (1981-present) [Covered extensively in previous article]
23 Grand Slam titles and advocacy for equal pay and Black women in sports.
90. Simone Biles (1997-present) [Covered extensively in previous article]
Most decorated gymnast in history; mental health advocacy at 2021 Olympics.
Technology and Digital Age Pioneers
91. Radia Perlman (1951-present)
Why She Matters: Computer programmer who invented the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), fundamental to how the internet works. Called “Mother of the Internet,” she made major contributions to network design and security. She continues working on network protocols and security.
Lasting Impact: Her protocols underpin modern internet infrastructure; proved women could excel in computer science.
92. Hedy Lamarr (1914-2000)
Why She Matters: Austrian-American actress who co-invented frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology during WWII to prevent torpedo jamming. This technology later became the basis for WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS. She received no recognition during her lifetime.
Lasting Impact: Her invention enables modern wireless communication; symbol of overlooked women inventors.
93. Susan Wojcicki (1968-present)
Why She Matters: CEO of YouTube from 2014-2023, she shaped how billions consume video content. As Google’s 16th employee, she proposed acquiring YouTube and oversaw its growth into the world’s second-largest search engine and major cultural force.
Lasting Impact: Influenced how information and entertainment are consumed globally.
94. Reshma Saujani (1975-present)
Why She Matters: Founder of Girls Who Code, nonprofit teaching computer science to young women. Her organization has reached hundreds of thousands of girls, addressing tech’s gender gap. She advocates for closing opportunity gaps and transforming how girls see themselves in STEM.
Lasting Impact: Training next generation of female programmers; addressing tech industry’s diversity problem.
95. Fei-Fei Li (1976-present)
Why She Matters: Computer scientist who created ImageNet, crucial to artificial intelligence development. Her work advanced machine learning and computer vision. Co-founder of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute, she advocates for ethical AI that benefits humanity.
Lasting Impact: Advanced AI capabilities; champions responsible AI development.
Contemporary Activists and Changemakers
96. Tarana Burke (1973-present)
Why She Matters: Founded the #MeToo movement in 2006 to support sexual assault survivors, particularly women of color. When the hashtag went viral in 2017, it sparked global reckoning with sexual harassment. She continues advocating for survivors and systemic change.
Lasting Impact: Changed conversation about sexual harassment globally; empowered survivors to speak out.
97. Emma González (1999-present)
Why She Matters: Survived Parkland school shooting and became a leader of March for Our Lives movement advocating for gun control. Her “We call BS” speech went viral, and she organized nationwide protests. Represents youth-led activism on gun violence.
Lasting Impact: Energized youth political engagement; shifted gun control debate.
98. Amanda Gorman (1998-present)
Why She Matters: Youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, her poem “The Hill We Climb” at Biden’s inauguration resonated globally. Youth Poet Laureate and advocate for literacy and racial justice, she represents new generation of artist-activists.
Lasting Impact: Made poetry relevant to younger generations; symbol of hope and unity.
99. Patrisse Cullors (1983-present)
Why She Matters: Co-founder of Black Lives Matter movement, she helped create a decentralized global movement for racial justice. Her work combines grassroots organizing with digital activism, fundamentally changing how protests are organized and amplified.
Lasting Impact: Built largest racial justice movement in history; influenced global conversations about policing and racism.
100. Greta Thunberg (2003-present) [Covered extensively above at #75]
The Ongoing Story: What These Women Teach Us
Common Threads Among World-Changers
Looking across centuries and continents, these influential women share key characteristics:
1. Courage to Challenge Norms From Hatshepsut declaring herself pharaoh to Rosa Parks refusing to move, these women defied expectations about what women could do or be.
2. Persistence Despite Obstacles Marie Curie faced scientific establishment sexism. Harriet Tubman risked her life repeatedly. Malala survived assassination attempt. Their persistence changed the world.
3. Using Platforms for Others Whether Eleanor Roosevelt drafting human rights law or Oprah building schools, these women used their influence to lift others.
4. Intellectual Courage From Hypatia teaching philosophy to Rachel Carson challenging pesticide industry to Jennifer Doudna grappling with CRISPR ethics—these women asked hard questions.
5. Intersectional Awareness Modern leaders like Audre Lorde, Angela Davis, and Tarana Burke understood that gender intersects with race, class, and other identities—making their activism more inclusive.
Lessons for Future Generations
For Young Women:
- No field is off-limits – Women have excelled in every domain from physics to politics
- Your voice matters – From Greta Thunberg to Malala, young women can change the world
- Build support networks – Most influential women had mentors and collaborators
- Define success yourself – Whether in politics, science, arts, or activism, impact takes many forms
- Persistence pays off – Many faced repeated rejection before achieving breakthrough
For Everyone:
- Support women’s education – Virtually every influential woman valued and promoted education
- Challenge gender barriers – When you see discrimination, speak up
- Amplify women’s voices – Use your platform to elevate others
- Study diverse perspectives – Learn from women across cultures, eras, and fields
- Vote for gender equality – Political participation changes systems
The Unfinished Work
Despite these remarkable women’s achievements, work remains:
Persistent Gaps:
- Women lead fewer than 10% of countries
- Women hold 25% of parliamentary seats globally
- Women earn 77 cents per dollar men earn (U.S.)
- Women remain underrepresented in STEM fields
- Violence against women remains epidemic globally
Intersectional Challenges:
- Women of color face compounded discrimination
- LGBTQ+ women face additional barriers
- Women in developing nations have fewer opportunities
- Disabled women remain marginalized in feminist movements
- Indigenous women’s leadership is often ignored
Looking Forward: The Next 100
Who will be remembered 100 years from now? Likely women working today in laboratories, courtrooms, boardrooms, and communities—solving problems we don’t yet fully understand:
- Climate crisis leaders developing solutions to environmental collapse
- Medical researchers curing diseases and extending healthy life
- Technology innovators ensuring AI benefits humanity
- Social justice advocates creating more equitable societies
- Political reformers strengthening democracy globally
- Artists and writers helping us understand our changing world
How to Honor These Legacies
Read Their Words: Seek out books, speeches, and writings by influential women. Primary sources provide deeper understanding than summaries.
Support Women-Led Organizations: Donate to groups advancing women’s rights, education, health, and opportunities globally.
Teach the Next Generation: Share these stories with children—daughters and sons need role models who challenged injustice.
Vote and Advocate: Support policies and politicians advancing gender equality and women’s rights.
Challenge Bias: When you encounter sexism, speak up. Change happens through countless small actions.
Celebrate Living Legends: Many influential women are alive today—support their work now, not just in retrospect.
Final Thoughts: Influence Beyond Measure
These 100 women—and countless others not included—prove that influence transcends barriers. They led armies and nations, discovered scientific truths, created enduring art, fought for justice, and fundamentally changed human civilization.
Their stories aren’t just history—they’re blueprints for the future. Every barrier they broke makes progress easier for those who follow. Every truth they spoke makes lies harder to sustain. Every system they challenged becomes a little more just.
The most important lesson from these influential women might be this: You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Many made mistakes, held views we now reject, or had complicated legacies. But they acted. They persisted. They refused to accept that their gender limited what they could achieve.
The next influential woman might be reading this right now. What barrier will you break? What truth will you speak? What will you create, discover, or change?
The world is waiting.
Who did we miss? Which influential woman inspired you most? Share this guide and continue the conversation about women who shaped our world.
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