18 Badass Women That Changed The World We Live In Today

Women from the time in memorial have made their name in history. If we scroll back in history, we will find strong, confident and bold women who have not only made their way through all odds but also left a path for other women to follow. Here’s a list of 20 such women from history, who have made the difference to the world we live in today:

1. Althea Gibson

Althea Gibson was the first American African tennis player and was also the first to cross the ra-cial boundaries in the tennis court. She was also an avid golf player. Althea won 11 tennis championships as she dominated the tennis competitions in late 1950s.

2. Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey, an American television personality, actress and entrepreneur has made her name in everyone’s heart. After all, who doesn’t want to be on her iconic ‘Oprah Winfrey Show’? Although Oprah had a troubled childhood, she made her way to success in the world of entertainment. Oprah has written several books and is North America’s first Black multi-billionaire. She is also said to be amongst most influential women in the world.

3. Ida B. Wells

Ida B. Wells is a known investigative journalist who fo-ught for equality especially for women. She was also educator and leader in ‘Civil Rights Movements’. Even though there were several reasons for the government to oppose Ida, she continued to work with civil rights. The prominent activist spoke up for the conditions of African Americans, rac-ism, and women equality.

4. Aretha Franklin

A singer, songwriter and Pianist, Aretha Franklin was fondly called ‘Queen of Soul’. Aretha was placed among top ten twice on ‘Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.’ Winner of 18 Grammy awards, Aretha was also an activist who was involved with ‘Civil Rights’ and Women’s Rights’. Aretha provided money for civil rights and also supported Native American rights.

5. Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was an American governmental activist who fo-ught against servitude and was actively involved in movement for ‘women’s suffrage’. Often regarded as ‘Queen of the Underground Railroad’ Harriet was also a spy, scout. She had rescued several people including her own family from sla-very.

6. Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland is the first African-American female principal ballerina in American Ballet Theater. Amidst the challenges Misty faced during her childhood day, Misty followed her passion to learn ballet dancing. Misty is the first African-American to play the role of ‘Odette’. She is associated with many charitable organizations and dedicates her time to mentor young girls.

7. Grace Jones

This Jamaican-American supermodel, is an iconic singer, actress and songwriter. She has influenced ‘cross dressing’ movement in 1980s. She has been an inspiration to many artists.

8. Annie Lumpkins

Annie Lumpkins was an activist who was a part of ‘freedom riders’ to fi-ght for rac-ial equality.

9. Angela Davis

Angela Davis is a governmental activist and a author of several books on rac-ism, femin-ism, US lock-up System and class.

10. Claudette Colvin

Claudette Colvin is a civil right activist. She was in her high school when she was also a member of youth council.

At that time she was learning about civil rights and that’s when she refused to give up her seat in AI Bus.

11. Dr. Wangari Maathai

Dr. Wangari Maathai was a social, governmental and environmental activist from Kenya. She was the first Kenyan woman to get noble prize. Wangari founded ‘Green Belt Movement’ that focused on environment conservation and women rights.

12. Tamar the Great

Tamar had an intense inclination to build a strong kingdom.

During her reign, Georgia was known for its power and military campaigns.

13. Greta Thunberg

Swedish teenage activist Greta Thunberg has challenged leaders across the globe to take action on climate mitigation. She has appeared in Time Magazine as ‘2019 Person of the Year.’

14. Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American lawyer and jurist. She worked hard to make her way through to build a legal foundation for women equality.

15. Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey is an American Wrestler and a mixed martial art artist. Although she could not speak till the age of six, this strong willed girl went on to be the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in Judo.

16. Irom Chanu Sharmila

Irom Chanu Sharmila is an ‘Indian Civil Rights’ activists and is better known as the “Iron Lady of Manipur”.

17. Angela Vorobeva

Angela Vorobeva at the age of 82 embarked on the Kilimanjaro Mountain. She got her name in the ‘Guinness Book of World Record’ for being the oldest woman to Mount Kilimanjaro.

18. Hedy Lamarr, Inventor & Actress

An actress by profession, Hedy later also became an inventor.

She was awarded Electronic Frontier Foundation Pioneer Award in 1997 for her creative achievements.