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Mytour excels when it offers new insights and sparks discussions. Any list aiming to highlight the most significant, impactful, and remarkable women of the 20th century will undoubtedly stir debate. If you believe any of these women should not be included, or if there's someone I've overlooked, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
10. Eleanor Roosevelt A champion of social reform
Eleanor Roosevelt, born into affluence and the niece of Theodore Roosevelt, might have led a quiet life like many upper-class women of her era. She married her cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt, in 1905, and became deeply involved in his political career. This partnership significantly influenced American politics for generations. Eleanor played a crucial role in her husband's campaigns, especially after his battle with polio. Despite the press ridiculing her for stepping beyond the traditional first lady duties of hosting, she became a vocal advocate for social change. Influenced by her uncle Teddy Roosevelt’s activism, Eleanor pursued her own political path, advocating for causes like African-American rights and protesting the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Following FDR’s death, she worked with the UN Commission for Human Rights, continuing her lifelong commitment to social justice until her passing in 1962. Though never elected to office, Eleanor’s impact as a social reformer remains profound, and her words still resonate today.
9. Ayn Rand Writer/Philosopher
Mentioning Ayn Rand online is almost guaranteed to spark an argument. Some of her critics, in fact, refer to her mockingly as ‘Ein reich, win volk, Ayn Rand,’ a nickname that offers a hint at her name’s pronunciation but doesn’t quite capture her political views. So why does she make this list despite such controversy? Simply put, her influence is undeniable. Born in Russia and witnessing the Soviet Revolution, she developed a strong aversion to communism and any government that infringed upon individual rights. After immigrating to the United States, she channeled her ideas into her novels, including The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged, and Anthem, where she outlined her philosophy of Objectivism. Objectivism advocates for a scientific understanding of reality, reason as the guiding principle in all things, and the absolute autonomy of the individual. These ideas may not seem inherently divisive, yet Rand's philosophy, and the woman herself, are often praised or condemned in extreme terms, with little room for nuance. Nonetheless, her work has left a lasting impact on economists, business leaders, and politicians, making Ayn Rand one of the most influential women of the 20th century.
8. Dorothy Hodgkin Nobel-winning Scientist
Dorothy Hodgkin may not be a household name, but her contributions to science, especially in biology, are groundbreaking. Though initially, X-ray crystallography couldn't determine the structure of pure insulin, this technique was eventually honed through years of research on various biological molecules. By refining the process, scientists were able to explore the structures of large molecules like proteins. Hodgkin's pivotal work in this field earned her the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964. Today, over 75,000 protein structures have been published, significantly impacting drug design. Without Hodgkin’s breakthroughs, modern protein biochemistry would be unimaginable.
Simone de Beauvoir, though once primarily recognized as the partner of Jean-Paul Sartre, is now celebrated as a formidable philosopher in her own right. Her existentialist writings, particularly her calls for the liberation of women, have cemented her place in the academic world. Beauvoir’s work stands apart from Sartre’s, being far more accessible and focused on human responsibility. In her essay, 'Pyrrhus et Cinéas,' she challenges readers to reflect on their own existence and the ethical choices they make without the influence of a higher power.
Although I briefly considered Virginia Woolf for this spot, I’ve chosen to highlight Simone de Beauvoir for her influential philosophical work. Once seen only as Sartre’s companion, Beauvoir’s existential philosophy now stands as a cornerstone of feminist thought. Her argument that, without a god to blame, humanity must take full responsibility for its actions is both radical and ethical. In 'Pyrrhus et Cinéas,' she challenges us all to examine the choices we make in life, focusing on ethical accountability.
Emmeline Pankhurst, a key figure in the women’s suffrage movement, dedicated her life to fighting for women's right to vote. Her tireless activism and leadership were pivotal in securing the political freedom that many women enjoy today. Through her efforts, Pankhurst became synonymous with the suffragette movement, pushing for equal rights and challenging the societal norms that limited women’s political participation.
"What a pity she wasn’t born a lad." Emmeline Pankhurst heard these words from her father in her youth, a remark that profoundly shaped her understanding of gender inequality. She quickly grasped the reality that she was treated differently than her brothers. Emmeline married Richard Pankhurst, a lawyer who fought for freedom of speech, education reform, and women's suffrage. Their household became a breeding ground for radical political thought, and Emmeline went on to establish the Women’s Franchise League, which lasted only a year. She then shifted focus to supporting her husband's political career. Following his death in 1897, Emmeline founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), which utilized direct action tactics like protests, graffiti, window smashing, and chaining members to railings to secure the vote for women. The WSPU’s bold approach resulted in many arrests, including those of Emmeline and her daughters, sparking public outrage over the conditions in prisons. When World War I broke out, the WSPU suspended its activities to support the war effort, garnering significant public support. In 1918, women over 30 were granted the vote, and Emmeline witnessed the achievement of equal suffrage for both genders.
Rachel Carson, a pioneering environmentalist, is widely known for her influential work, ‘Silent Spring’. The book detailed her research on the harmful consequences of pesticide use, specifically DDT, which accumulated up the food chain, reaching dangerous levels in top predators. Carson’s findings were crucial in the eventual ban of DDT, a pesticide previously used to control malaria by eradicating mosquitoes. Despite some criticism, particularly accusations that her efforts led to increased malaria deaths, Carson is also credited with saving several bird species from extinction. Her primary achievement, however, was her role in sparking public discussions about environmental issues through her writing and speeches.
Rachel Carson’s ‘Silent Spring’ was a pivotal work in the environmental movement, shedding light on the dangers of pesticide use, particularly DDT, and its long-lasting effects on wildlife. Carson’s research revealed how DDT accumulated through the food chain, reaching dangerously high levels in apex predators. Her advocacy was instrumental in the eventual banning of the pesticide. While some critics blame Carson for contributing to an increase in malaria deaths due to the DDT ban, her legacy is widely regarded as one that saved numerous predatory birds from extinction and sparked widespread environmental awareness.
Rosa Parks, a civil rights activist, became a symbol of resistance when she refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in December 1955. After a long day of work, Parks, a black seamstress, was asked to vacate her seat for a white passenger. When she refused, she was arrested. Rosa always maintained that her refusal was not out of physical exhaustion, but because she was "tired of giving in." Her arrest, though not the first of its kind, became a rallying point for civil rights activists. A boycott of Montgomery's bus system was organized on the day of her trial, which eventually expanded to a year-long protest that led to the end of bus segregation. Rosa Parks, while never a major leader in the civil rights movement, became an iconic figure and continued to advocate for the dismantling of segregation. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996.
In December 1955, Rosa Parks, a black seamstress in Montgomery, Alabama, refused to surrender her seat to a white passenger on a city bus. After a long day at work, she was ordered to give up her seat and move to the back of the bus. When she declined, Parks was arrested. She later insisted that her refusal was not because of physical exhaustion but because she was "tired of giving in." Her arrest, while not the first, sparked a boycott of the city's bus system that grew into a year-long protest, ending only when segregation on the buses was lifted. Rosa Parks became an iconic figure, though she was not one of the movement's primary leaders, continuing to advocate for racial equality. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996.
Marie Curie, a scientist whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern physics and medicine, is remembered for her discovery of the radioactive elements polonium and radium. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903, and the second time in Chemistry in 1911. Marie Curie remains the only person to have won Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. Her research, particularly in the development of radiation therapy for cancer treatment, revolutionized both science and medicine. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists, especially women, in the pursuit of knowledge and excellence.
Marie Curie’s biography is truly inspiring. Alongside her husband, Pierre, she discovered the radioactive elements Radium and Polonium, becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. She remains the only person to have earned Nobel Prizes in two separate scientific fields, and she was the first female Professor at the Sorbonne. Curie was also a pioneer in refining X-ray imaging techniques. Her achievements are all the more impressive considering the barriers she faced as a woman in the male-dominated world of science. After graduating from the Sorbonne, Curie struggled to find work in her native Poland. In 1895, she married Pierre, and together, they worked in the emerging field of radioactivity, a term they coined themselves. Following Pierre’s tragic death in a carriage accident, Curie carried on their groundbreaking research and took over his university teaching position. After receiving her Nobel Prizes, Curie became an internationally recognized figure in science and used her fame to secure funding for further studies in radioactivity. During World War I, she purified radium for use in X-ray machines and personally drove the mobile X-ray units to the front lines. Sadly, years of exposure to radioactive elements, at a time when the dangers of ionizing radiation were not fully understood, eventually took a toll on her health, leading to her death in 1934. Her daughter, Irène, continued her work and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1935 alongside her husband.
Margaret Sanger, though a controversial figure, played a pivotal role in advancing women’s rights by advocating for birth control. Her efforts revolutionized the way women approached reproductive health. Sanger, a nurse, witnessed firsthand the tragic consequences of unsafe, self-administered abortions and the high death rates during childbirth. To address this, she began publishing the column 'What Every Girl Should Know,' and later founded the 'Birth Control Review,' which faced legal opposition due to its controversial content. She fled to Europe to escape legal charges, where she met Mary Stopes and inspired her to launch a similar campaign in Britain. As the movement grew, both in Europe and the United States, laws prohibiting the dissemination of birth control information were eventually overturned. Sanger went on to establish family planning clinics and remained a staunch advocate for the birth control pill in her later years. While her contributions to reproductive rights are undeniable, her support for eugenics has led to continued debate about her legacy.
Indira Gandhi, the first and only female Prime Minister of India, remains one of the most powerful political figures in the history of the country. Her leadership reshaped India’s political landscape. Known for her firm policies, she was a dominant figure in Indian politics, particularly during the years of the Emergency (1975-1977) when she assumed extraordinary powers to maintain stability. Gandhi was instrumental in promoting India’s economic development, although her tenure was marked by both admiration and criticism. Under her leadership, India pursued nuclear weapons development and underwent significant political and social reforms. Despite facing intense opposition and controversies, Indira Gandhi's legacy continues to be a subject of great interest and debate in the history of modern India.
Indira Gandhi, India's first and only female Prime Minister, played a key role in shaping the political and economic landscape of the nation. Known for her assertive leadership, she navigated India through both periods of intense political turmoil and significant growth. During the Emergency from 1975 to 1977, she exercised extraordinary powers to curb opposition and maintain order. Gandhi's government was instrumental in advancing India's nuclear program and initiating economic reforms. Though her tenure was fraught with both praise and criticism, Indira Gandhi’s political influence continues to resonate in modern India, making her one of the most notable leaders in the country’s history.
Indira Gandhi, a name synonymous with bold leadership, was not without controversy. As Prime Minister of India for a total of fifteen years, she witnessed both the triumph of India's victory in the 1971 war with Pakistan, which resulted in the formation of Bangladesh, and the challenges of corruption charges that led to her brief removal from office. Yet, her remarkable return in 1979 showed the enduring influence she held over the nation. Modernizing India, particularly in agriculture, became a cornerstone of her agenda, as she steered the country toward self-sufficiency. A polarizing figure, Indira's legacy lives on, not just as a female leader, but as one of India's most consequential politicians.
