Spain – Like Her

María Dolores García Cotarelo

María Dolores García Cotarelo, a Spanish politician, made significant contributions to politics and cultural development in Granada. Initially involved in politics in 1975, she became Deputy Mayor of Culture at the City Hall of Granada, where she advocated for the city’s cultural heritage. Despite facing legal troubles in 1984, she defended freedom of expression and continued to serve the public through her unwavering commitment to public service and the betterment of society.

SpainMathematician

María Andrea Casamayor

María Andrea Casamayor de La Coma, born in Saragossa, Spain in 1720, was a Spanish mathematician, writer, and girls’ school teacher. Her significant contributions to arithmetic challenged the prevailing notion that mathematics was the exclusive domain of men, and she became one of the few 18th century Spanish women scientists and mathematicians whose work has been preserved.

SpainMathematician

Marta Macho Stadler

Marta Macho Stadler is a renowned Basque mathematician who specializes in scientific divulgation. She teaches geometry and topology at the University of the Basque Country and conducts research in the Geometric Theory of Foliations and Noncommutative Geometry. Her dedication to promoting women’s contributions in science extends beyond her divulgation work, as she actively collaborates in various social activities and cultural events celebrating women in science. Marta Macho Stadler’s significant contributions in the field of mathematics and her advocacy for women in science have left a lasting impact.

SpainSoccer

Irene Paredes

Irene Paredes Hernández, born on 4 July 1991, is a Spanish professional footballer who has made a significant impact on the sport as a centre-back for both club and country. Her talent, leadership, and dedication have earned her a place among the top footballers in the world.

SpainSoccer

Jennifer Hermoso

Jennifer Hermoso Fuentes, born on May 9, 1990, is a Spanish professional footballer known for her remarkable achievements in women’s football. She holds the title of all-time top scorer for both FC Barcelona and the Spain women’s national team. Hermoso’s dedication, skill, and love for the game have made her an inspiration for young women aspiring to pursue a career in football.

SpainMatadora

Conchi Ríos

Conchi Ríos, a renowned Spanish bullfighter, discovered her passion for bullfighting at the young age of 14. She became the first woman to cut off two ears of the same bull, showcasing her exceptional skill and fearless determination. Ríos’s dedication to her craft, groundbreaking achievements, and commitment to gender equality have made her a true icon of women’s history.

SpainMatadora

Cristina Sánchez

Cristina Sánchez de Pablos, born on February 20, 1972, in Parla, Madrid, is a retired bullfighter, bullfighting commentator, and Spanish proxy. Throughout her career, Cristina participated in a total of 30 bullfights in America and 60 in Spain, leaving a lasting impact on both continents. Her determination and prowess in the arena solidified her as an influential figure in women’s history and the world of bullfighting.

SpainHurdlerIntersex

Maria José Martínez-Patiño

Maria José Martínez-Patiño is a former Spanish hurdler who made headlines when she was dismissed from the Spanish Olympic team in 1986 due to failing a gender test. Despite this setback, she successfully fought for her right to compete and participated in the 1992 Olympics. Martínez-Patiño has since become an advocate for intersex athletes’ rights and privacy, contributing to the ongoing debate on sex testing in sports.

SpainMartial Artist

Isabel Fernández

María Isabel Fernández Gutiérrez, born on February 1, 1972, in Alicante, is a Spanish judo athlete who has left an indelible mark on the sport. She is known as one of the few athletes who has achieved the triple crown: Olympic, world, and European gold.

SpainBalletDancer

Lucía Lacarra

Lucía Lacarra, a renowned Spanish ballet dancer, has made a significant impact on the world of dance. From a young age, she displayed an extraordinary talent that led her to study under esteemed mentors and join prestigious ballet companies such as the San Francisco Ballet and Bayerisches Staatsballett. Lacarra’s exceptional skill, versatility, and dedication to her craft have earned her numerous awards, solidifying her status as one of the most significant dancers of her generation.

SpainSoccer

Alexia Putellas

Alexia Putellas Segura, also known as Alexia, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Barcelona and the Spain national team. She has achieved remarkable success with Barcelona, winning multiple league titles and UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies. Putellas has been recognized with numerous individual awards, including the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Award and the Ballon d’Or Féminin. Her impact extends beyond her club and country, as she has helped raise the profile of women’s football worldwide.

SpainWeight Lifting

Lydia Valentín

Lydia Valentín Pérez is a Spanish weightlifter who has achieved tremendous success in the sport. She is an Olympic Champion, 2-time World Champion, and 4-time European Champion. Valentín has left a lasting impact on weightlifting, inspiring many with her dedication and remarkable achievements.

SpainActivist

Montserrat Cervera Rodon

Montserrat Cervera Rodon, born in 1949 in Barcelona, is a Catalan anti-militarist, feminist, and women’s health activist. She dedicated her life to advocating for women’s rights, particularly in the areas of abortion rights and women’s health. Her extensive involvement in feminist actions and campaigns has made a significant impact on society.

SpainLawyerWriter

Clara Campoamor

Clara Campoamor Rodríguez was a Spanish politician, lawyer, and writer who played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement in her country. Considered by some as the mother of the Spanish feminist movement, Campoamor dedicated her life to fighting for women’s rights and advocating for gender equality.

SpainLawyer

Concepción Arenal

Concepción Arenal Ponte was a groundbreaking figure in Spanish history, defying societal expectations and making significant strides for gender equality. As the first woman in Spain to attend university, she paved the way for future generations. Her courage and intellect were remarkable, especially considering the limitations imposed on women during that era. Arenal’s dedication to social justice and advocacy for the marginalized continue to inspire and empower women today.

SpainActivist

Gladys del Estal

Gladys del Estal Ferreño, an ecologist activist born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1956, tragically lost her life in Tudela, Navarre, Spain, in 1979. Coming from a family of Spanish exiles, she became a symbol of peaceful resistance against repression. Her sacrifice has inspired countless individuals to fight for conservation, environmental protection, and social justice, ensuring her memory lives on.

SpainArcherComputer Scientist

Nuria Oliver

Nuria Oliver is a renowned computer scientist who has made significant contributions to the field through her groundbreaking research and leadership roles in various institutions. She has played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of human behavior through computational models, human-computer interaction, mobile computing, and big data for social good.

SpainDancer

Blanca del Rey

Blanca del Rey, born Blanca Ávila Moreno, was a renowned flamenco dancer from Córdoba, Spain. Starting her career at a young age, she quickly gained recognition for her talent and performed at prestigious venues. After a period of retirement, she made a comeback and became known for her unique choreography, particularly the shawl soleá. Blanca del Rey’s contributions to flamenco have been widely recognized, earning her numerous awards and honors.

SpainDancer

Eva Yerbabuena

Eva Yerbabuena, born Eva María Garrido García, is a Spanish flamenco dancer who has left a lasting impact on the world of dance. Her talent and dedication have earned her widespread recognition, including Spain’s National Dance Award in 2001. She has collaborated with renowned artists and established her own dance company, showcasing her unique artistic vision. Yerbabuena’s performances captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing the powerful emotions and rich cultural heritage of flamenco.

SpainArchaeologist

Encarnación Cabré

Encarnación Cabré Herreros, a Spanish archaeologist, was a trailblazer in her field, becoming the first professional female archaeologist in Spain. Despite facing obstacles during the Spanish Civil War and the Francoist dictatorship, Encarnación’s passion for archaeology remained unwavering. Her perseverance and dedication made her an icon in the male-dominated profession, and she paved the way for future generations of women in archaeology. In recognition of her exceptional achievements, Encarnación was officially acknowledged by the Spanish parliament in 2019 for her contributions to women’s professional advancement.

SpainCyclist

Joane Somarriba

Joane Somarriba Arrola, born on August 11, 1972, in Gernika, Biscay, is a former Spanish cyclist. She is known for her impressive achievements in the sport, including winning the Grande Boucle in 2000, 2001, and 2003. In addition, she achieved a time trial victory at the 2003 World Championships in Hamilton, Canada. Somarriba’s talent and dedication made her one of the most successful cyclists of her time.

SpainTennis

Arantxa Sánchez Vicario

Aranzazu Isabel Maria Sanchez Vicario, born in Barcelona, Spain in 1971, is a Spanish former world No. 1 tennis player. She achieved great success in both singles and doubles, winning a total of 14 Grand Slam titles. Sanchez Vicario also won four Olympic medals and five Fed Cup titles representing Spain. Her remarkable career and numerous achievements have solidified her as one of the all-time greats in women’s tennis history.

SpainJournalist

Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano

Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, born in 1972 in Oviedo, Asturias, is the current Queen of Spain. She married King Felipe VI in 2004 and has since dedicated herself to her role as queen consort. Letizia is known for her elegance, intelligence, and determination, using her position to advocate for important issues and promote positive change. She has left a lasting impact on women’s history, breaking barriers and stereotypes in leadership.

SpainWater Polo

Beatriz Ortiz

Beatriz Ortiz Muñoz, born on June 21, 1995, is an accomplished Spanish female water polo player who has made significant contributions to her sport. Ortiz proudly represented the Spain national water polo team at the 2016 Summer Olympics, showcasing her exceptional skills and passion for the game on the global stage.

SpainActivistPolitician

Luisa Isabel Álvarez de Toledo, 21st Duchess of Medina Sidonia

Luisa Isabel Álvarez de Toledo y Maura, the 21st Duchess of Medina Sidonia, was a prominent figure in Spanish history and an influential political activist. Known as “The Red Duchess” due to her left-wing ideology, she tirelessly fought against the Franco regime, advocating for democracy. Her commitment to social change extended beyond politics, as she challenged traditional gender roles and championed women’s emancipation. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations.

SpainMatadora

Nicolasa Escamilla

Nicolasa Escamilla, also known as “La Pajuelera,” was a groundbreaking Spanish bullfighter during the 18th century. Recognized as a pioneer woman in bullfighting, she showcased exceptional skill in handling the stopping rod. Nicolasa’s first recorded appearance in bullfighting dates back to 1747. Her contributions and early involvement in the sport laid the groundwork for future generations of female bullfighters.

SpainDisabledGovernment

Ángela Bachiller

Ángela Covadonga Bachiller, Spain’s first city councillor with Down syndrome, has overcome obstacles to become a prominent figure in her community. Bachiller’s determination, along with the support of her family, has laid the foundation for her success. She has made significant contributions as an administrative assistant and as a city councillor, becoming a symbol of empowerment for individuals with disabilities. Bachiller’s journey serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the importance of inclusion and equal opportunities for all.

SpainArtistChoreographer

María Pagés

María Pagés, born in 1963 in Seville, Spain, is an internationally acclaimed modern Spanish dancer and choreographer. With her innovative approach to flamenco, she has revolutionized the perception of this art form, establishing herself as a leading figure in the world of modern flamenco. From her early career with the Antonio Gades Company to her own successful dance company in Madrid, Pagés has consistently pushed boundaries and captivated audiences worldwide. Her contributions to film, including Carmen and Flamenco, have brought flamenco to a wider audience. Pagés’s talent and creativity have been recognized with numerous awards, solidifying her place as one of the most influential figures in the world of flamenco.

SpainBadminton

Carolina Marin

Carolina María Marín Martín, born on June 15, 1993, is a Spanish professional badminton player who has achieved remarkable success in her sport. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female athletes in women’s singles badminton and has left an indelible mark on the sport.

SpainDoctorSprinter

Susana Rodríguez

Susana Rodríguez Gacio, a Spanish doctor, paratriathlete, and sprinter, has defied the odds and become a five-time world champion in paratriathlon and a Paralympic gold medalist. Overcoming the challenges of albinism and a severe visual impairment, Rodríguez has left an indelible mark on the world of sports and medicine, becoming a symbol of triumph over adversity.

SpainJavelinJournalist

Ana María Martínez Sagi

Ana María Martínez Sagi was a Spanish poet, trade unionist, journalist, feminist, and athlete. She made significant contributions to various fields throughout her life. Born into a privileged family in Barcelona, she excelled in sports, becoming a national champion in javelin. Martínez Sagi also broke new ground in football, becoming the first female director of FC Barcelona. As a journalist, she advocated for social change and women’s suffrage, and her firsthand accounts during the Spanish Civil War gave a voice to the marginalized. Martínez Sagi’s resilience, determination, and commitment to social justice make her a remarkable figure in women’s history.

SpainHigh JumperTrack & Field

Ruth Beitia

Ruth Beitia Vila is a retired high jumper, politician, and Olympic champion. She broke the Spanish record multiple times and became the first Spanish woman to jump higher than two meters. Beitia won numerous medals at international competitions, including the gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. She retired in 2017 due to rheumatoid arthritis.

SpainTennis

Conchita Martínez

Conchita Martínez Bernat, born in Monzón on April 16, 1972, is a Spanish former professional tennis player who achieved numerous milestones throughout her career. From reaching the fourth round of the French Open at just 16 years old to becoming the first Spaniard to win the women’s singles title at Wimbledon in 1994, Martínez left an indelible mark on Spanish tennis. Her dedication and hard work have made her a true pioneer and trailblazer in women’s sports.

SpainPolitician

Miriam Blasco

Miriam Guadalupe Blasco Soto, born on December 12, 1963, is a Spanish former judoka and politician. She holds a significant place in both Spanish and women’s history as the first Spanish athlete to win a medal at the Summer Olympic Games and the first Spanish Olympic champion, winning gold in Barcelona in 1992.