37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

The Suffragettes

In the first major rallying cry for feminism, The Suffragettes fought vehemently for women's rights, most specifically, the right to vote. Their movements and protests, both peaceful and radical, allowed for the nationwide right for women to vote in 1920. Some of the most notable women in the movement? Mary Wollstonecraft, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Stone Blackwell, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Emmeline Pankhurst, Sojourner Truth. Photo: Getty

1 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Simone de Beauvoir

An outspoken political activist, writer and social theorist, in 1949 de Beauvoir wrote The Second Sex, an ahead-of-its-time book credited with paving the way for modern feminism. In the influential (and at the time, extremely controversial) book, de Beauvoir critiques the patriarchy and social constructs faced by women. The Second Sex was banned by The Vatican and even deemed "pornography" by some—a fearless start to the fight for feminism. Photo: Getty

2 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Eleanor Roosevelt

Roosevelt became the first First Lady to take on responsibilities beyond merely hosting and entertaining in the White House. Before her tenure as First Lady, she was already outspoken and involved with women's issues, working with the Women's Trade Union League and the International Congress of Working Women. From 1935 to 1962, Roosevelt wrote "My Day," a newspaper column that addressed women's work, equality and rights before there was even a word for "feminism"—the social issues at the time were considered "controversial," especially for that of a First Lady to speak about. After her time as First Lady, she became the first US delegate to the United Nations, served as first chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights and also chaired JFK's President's Commission on the Status of Women to promote equality and advise on women's issues. Photo: Getty

3 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Marlene Dietrich

While her efforts didn't directly fight for women's rights, Dietrich made a contribution to feminism through fashion. The Hollywood actress wore trousers and men's suits during a time where it was considered extremely scandalous and taboo; both on screen and privately, once almost being arrested for wearing pants in public during the 1930s. She was famously quoted saying, "I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men." Dietrich's way of dressing went on to influence generations of women after her, lending many the confidence and power of wearing a suit. Photo: Getty

4 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Betty Friedan

The American writer and activist penned The Feminine Mystique in 1963, which is often credited for sparking the second wave of feminism that began in the '60s and '70s. Friedan spent her life working to establish women's equality, helping to establish the National Women's Political Caucus as well as organizing the Women's Strike For Equality in 1970, which popularized the feminist movement throughout America. Photo: Getty

5 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Gloria Steinem

Aptly referred to as the "Mother of Feminism," Gloria Steinem led the women's liberation movements throughout the '60s and '70s—and continues to do so today. Co-founder of the feminist themed Ms. Magazine and several female groups that changed the face of feminism including Women's Action Alliance, National Women's Political Caucus, Women's Media Center and more. All of her efforts led to her induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1993 and in 2013 she was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Steinem continues to be a trailblazer for feminism today, most recently with her Viceland series, WOMAN, and post-election action for young girls and women. Photo: Getty

6 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

bell hooks

The American author was known for her social activism that was often mirrored through her writing of oppression, women's rights and race. Some of bell hooks' most notable works include Ain't I A Woman? Black Women and Feminism and The Feminist Theory in which she declared, "Feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation and oppression."

8 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Barbara Walters

Not only was Walters the first female co-host of a news show (although at the time she earned only half of her male co-workers), she also became the first female co-anchor of an evening news broadcast for ABC News. From the '70s until today, Walters paved the way for not only women in journalism but for women in the entire workforce. Photo: Getty

9 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Coretta Scott King

Although most known for her marriage to Martin Luther King Jr. and her work with Civil Rights, Coretta Scott King devoted much of her life to women's equality. She helped found NOW (National Organization for Women) in 1966 and played a key role in the organization's development. In her efforts for women's rights, King was also notably the first woman to deliver the class day address at Harvard. Photo: Getty

10 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Maya Angelou

Through her literature, public speaking and powerful writing, Maya Angelou inspired both women and African Americans to overcome gender and race discrimination. In 2011, Angelou was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her works that spanned over 50 years including 36 books, seven autobiographies and over 50 honorary degrees. Photo: Getty

11 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde channeled her powerful voice through writing and poetry, exploring female identity and life as a Black lesbian and writing about issues that affected women across the country during the height Civil Rights movement. All of her work was based on her "theory of difference," which we refer to as "intersectionality" today. She famously said, "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences."

12 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Yoko Ono

Most known for her peaceful protests with John Lennon, Ono has also been a voice for gender equality throughout the years. Her 1972 essay, "The Feminization of Society" helped mark the female revolution of the '70s. Photo: Getty

14 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Alice Walker

A critical voice for black women in the feminism movement, Walker has been instrumental in her efforts for women and even more specifically for women of color. The writer and activist was involved in the Civil Rights Movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King before joining Gloria Steinem as an editor at Ms. Magazine. Walker's most famous work, The Color Purple, became vital in telling the story of Black women and was later adapted into both a movie and a Broadway musical. Two years after its publication, Walker co-founded Wild Tree Press, a feminist publishing company. Walker's contribution to the feminist movement is vital for her efforts to make sure Black women's voices were included and heard. In 1983, she was the first to coin the term, "womanism," which sought to include Black women in feminism. Photo: Getty

15 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Hillary Clinton

Clinton is the only First Lady to ever run for public office, serving as the first-ever female Senator from New York, Secretary of State under President Obama and of course, as the first-ever female candidate in the 2016 presidential election. Since the 1970s, Clinton has furthered the advancement of women through her various work from becoming the first female chair of the Legal Services Corporation in 1978 to delivering her famous "Women's rights are human rights" speech in 1995 to running an inspiring presidential campaign for girls to look up to in 2016. Despite facing countless sexism throughout the presidential election, Clinton took the high road up until the very end, memorably saying, "To all the little girls watching...never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world," in her 2016 concession speech. Photo: Getty

16 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Oprah Winfrey

Motivated by the unequal pay she received in the start of her broadcasting career, Oprah set out to start her own television show and from there built an empire catering to helping women grow, develop and thrive. "I never did consider or call myself a feminist, but I don't think you can really be a woman in this world and not be." She has since developed the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, the Oprah Winfrey Network and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. Photo: Getty

17 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Diane Von Furstenberg

DVF has built her entire fashion career on the concept of female empowerment. "Feel like a woman, wear a dress" and "Proud to be woman!" are just two of the designer's mantras evoked through her brand. Not only does she use fashion to empower women, she has also since founded The DVF Awards, which recognize incredible women who have made positive impacts on the world through leadership, philanthropy and hard work. Photo: Getty

18 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Madonna

The Queen of Pop has built her entire career on pushing the limits of women and sexuality through her songs and music videos—unapologetically breaking gender stereotypes along the way. With her public persona, Madonna encouraged women to take unabashedly ownership over their sexuality and lives. Most recently, she's become vocal in speaking out against the sexism and ageism women receive today, continuing to dress as sexy as she wants at 58 years old. Photo: Getty

19 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Sheryl Sandberg

The Facebook COO is responsible for pioneering the "Lean In" movement with her 2013 book encouraging women to excel in the workforce. Through her prominent position at Facebook, her work with the Lean In Foundation and Women for Women International Board, Sandberg is outspoken about the setbacks and inequality women face in the workforce. She also teamed up with Gloria Steinem to empower young girls following the 2016 presidential election. Photo: Getty

20 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Malala Yousafzai

The courageous teenager rose to fame with her memoir, I Am Malala, documenting her fearless journey as a young student fighting for access to education in Pakistan. Ever since, Malala has been traveling the world advocating for education rights for women and children through her foundation, The Malala Fund. Photo: Getty

21 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Angelina Jolie

Aside from her extensive work as a UN diplomat, actress and philanthropist, in 2013, when Angelina Jolie chose to share her double-masectomy story, she changed the face of breast cancer awareness. In a personal essay, Jolie revealed how the health decision empowered her as a woman while encouraging other women to come forward with their own breast cancer stories. Photo: Getty

22 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Most known for her "We Should All Be Feminists" TED Talk that was sampled on Beyoncé's self-titled album, Adichie has become a vital author in the modern day feminist movement. Some of her most prominent pieces, Americanah, We Should All Be Feminists and Dear Ijeawele, Or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions, have been instrumental in advocating for women's rights and representing African culture. Photo: Getty

23 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Beyoncé

Ultimately bringing the feminist movement to modern day pop culture, Beyoncé may have teetered on the fence about being a feminist in the past, but with the release of her self-titled album in 2013, she seemed to fully embrace her stance. On the track, "Flawless," she sampled author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's motivational TED talk, "We Should All Be Feminists." With the release of her following album, Lemonade, Queen Bey one-upped herself with a short film that was a beautiful ode to black women. Photo: Getty

24 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Roxane Gay

The Bad Feminist author is anything but. A crucial voice for modern-day women, Gay's writings tackle issues like race, gender identity, sexual identity, sexual assault and disability. Along with her novels, essays and short stories, Gay has also shared her wisdom as a professor at Purdue University and through many public speaking events, including an inspiring TED Talk. Photo: Getty

25 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Janet Mock

A trailblazing voice for transgender women, Mock has used her journalism career to advocate for trans rights. Along with her personal memoirs, Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More and Surpassing Certainty, Mock has shared the stories of trans women through a variety of mediums including the HBO film, The Trans List, which she produced. Photo: Getty

26 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Emma Watson

One of the generation's newest voices of feminism, the actress captured everyone's attention with her moving speech in front of the United Nations that launched a new initiative for gender equality. Watson's work for the UN reminded us all that feminism isn't just a fight for women—it's for men to join in as well. Since, she has launched the #HeForShe movement, her own feminist book club and plenty of conversation about what it means to be a feminist today. Photo: Getty

27 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Patrisse Cullors

A co-founder of Black Lives Matter, Cullors has been one of the decade's most influential forces in fighting anti-black racism. Fueled by the murder of Trayvon Martin in 2012, Cullors began one of the largest civil rights movements since the 1960s and 1970s. Also an outspoken advocate for the rights of black and queer women, she's since been awarded the Sydney Peace Prize and been named an NAACP History Maker. Photo: Getty

28 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Tarana Burke

Ushering in a new wave of feminism, Tarana Burke started the #MeToo movement back in 2006, more than a decade before it was heard around the world. An inspiring leader for victims of sexual assault and harassment, Burke's work has allowed hundreds of thousands of women across the globe to speak up about their own sexual assault experiences, and helped open the floodgates for Hollywood's Time's Up movement. Burke's "me too" concept created a safe space for women to speak up and fight back against sexual misconduct and marked a new chapter in the future of feminism. Photo: Getty

29 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Michelle Obama

In 2009, when husband Barack Obama became the first Black president of the United States, Michelle Obama also made history by becoming the nation's first Black First Lady and the only First Lady to attend an Ivy League university (Princeton) for her undergraduate studies. She left her mark in the White House with her Let Girls Learn initiative, which empowered girls across the globe to gain better access to education. Even after her husband's presidency, she continues to champion the cause through the Girls Opportunity Alliance, a program within the Obama Foundation that supports grassroots leaders working on girls' education. Photo: The White House / Getty

30 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Amal Clooney

The world may have first learned about Amal Clooney when she married Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney in 2014, but her impact had been a force for change long before that. She works as one of the most renowned international human rights lawyers in the world, with previous clients including former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. She has also been appointed to several United Nations commissions. Together with her husband, Amal founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice, an organization advocating for human rights and awareness of abuses around the world. Photo: Eurpoanewswire / Gado / Getty

31 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Meghan Markle

When Meghan Markle captured the heart of Prince Harry, she also captured the adoration of the world. Following the announcement of their engagement, Meghan made history as one of the only Black and biracial royals in the British royal family. Having made a name for herself before her Duchess of Sussex days with her starring role on the American legal drama Suits, Meghan has since used her platform to amplify the voices of those less privileged. From working as a global ambassador for World Vision to helping disadvantaged women find work through the charity Smart Works, Meghan is undoubtedly leaving her royal mark. Photo: Max Mumby / Indigo / Getty

32 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (colloquially known as AOC) rose to prominence after her underdog triumph in the 2018 midterm elections, in which she defeated 10-term incumbent Joe Crowley for his House of Representatives seat in New York's 14th district. At 30 years old, AOC's progressive politics and unflinching confidence on the House floor have helped revitalize a new generation of voters and Democrats alike. Her electoral victory also catapulted her to the ranks of other young, female Democrats elected to Congress in 2018, including Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Ayanna Pressley, commonly referred to as the Squad. Photo: Win McNamee / Getty

33 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Naomi Klein

Writer Naomi Klein has spent the past few decades analyzing and criticizing the often-devastating effects of globalization, capitalism, and climate change. For her work, Klein has been the recipient of multiple awards and accolades, including the Izzy Award, named after journalist I. F. Stone, and awarded for outstanding achievement in independent media and journalism, as well as the Sydney Peace Prize. She currently serves as the inaugural Gloria Steinem Endowed Chair in Media, Culture and Feminist Studies at Rutgers University. Photo: Carsten Koall / Getty

34 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Kathleen Neal Cleaver

In the '60s, Kathleen Neal Cleaver was a prominent member of the Black Panther Party, in which she created the position of communications secretary. In 1998, she said, "I think it is important to place the women who fought oppression as Black Panthers within the longer tradition of freedom fighters like Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Ida Wells-Barnett, who took on an entirely oppressive world and insisted that their race, their gender, and their humanity be respected all at the same time. Not singled out, each one separate, but all at the same time. You cannot segregate out one aspect of our reality and expect to get a clear picture of what this struggle is about." She began teaching at Emory University School of Law in 1992. Photo: New York Times Co. / Getty

35 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Winona LaDuke

Winona LaDuke is a leading indigenous voice on the fight against climate change. Her long career includes founding organizations like the Indigenous Women's Network and the White Earth Land Recovery Project, and cofounding Honor the Earth with the Indigo Girls. She also participated in the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016, in which the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe fought against the construction of an oil pipeline that threatened the area's drinking water and interfered with sacred land. LaDuke has remained vocal on the need to listen to indigenous perspectives—especially those of indigenous women—when it comes to fighting climate change. "Indigenous women understand that our struggle for autonomy is related to the total need for structural change in this society," she wrote in 1994. "We realize that indigenous people in industrial society have always been and will always be in a relationship of war, because industrial society has declared war on indigenous peoples, on land based peoples." Photo: John Lamparski / Getty

36 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism

Laverne Cox

This Orange Is the New Black star has been a tireless advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and a shining beacon of transgender representation in Hollywood. She made history in 2014 when she became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy in any acting category for her role as Sophia Burset in the hit Netflix series. Since then, Cox has used her platform to bring awareness to issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, whether she's on the red carpet or talking to fans on social media. Photo: Frazer Harrison / Getty

37 of 37

37 Inspiring Women Who Shaped Feminism