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Daisy Yen Wu was a pioneering Chinese woman in the fields of biochemistry and nutrition. Born into a wealthy family in Shanghai in 1902, she pursued her education in the United States and became the first Chinese woman to work as an academic researcher in these fields. Wu’s dedication to education and research led her to establish scholarships and make significant contributions to the scientific community. She passed away in 1993, leaving a lasting legacy on these fields.
María Mercedes Rivera Urquieta, a renowned professor and feminist, played a significant role in advancing women’s rights and empowering women in Chile. As one of the founding members of the Pro-Emancipation Movement of Chilean Women, she worked tirelessly to champion feminist ideals and create a platform for women’s voices to be heard. Her dedication extended internationally, where she represented numerous organizations and participated in discussions on nuclear power and atomic bomb use. Rivera’s contributions have left a lasting impact on society, making her a prominent figure in Chilean women’s history.
Dr. Christine Marie-Helene Loudes (1972 – 2016), a human rights lawyer, dedicated her life to advocating for gender equality and women’s rights. She played a pivotal role in ending female genital mutilation (FGM) as the head of Amnesty International’s End FGM campaign. Through her tireless efforts, Dr. Loudes raised awareness, changed policies, and protected women’s rights. Her influential career and academic achievements continue to inspire others to fight for justice and human rights.
Alice Salomon (1872-1948) was a German social reformer and pioneer of social work as an academic discipline. She played a crucial role in the development of social work in Germany, to the extent that she was honored with a commemorative postage stamp by the German post office in 1989. Her impact on the field was so significant that a university, a park, and a square in Berlin bear her name.
Ada C. Bello (1933-2023) was a Cuban-American LGBT rights activist and medical laboratory researcher. She played a crucial role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in Philadelphia and was dedicated to fighting for equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community throughout her life. Bello’s activism began in the late 1960s when she co-founded the Philadelphia Chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis, and she later became an instrumental member of the Homophile Action League. Her advocacy work and determination have left an indelible mark on Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community and the broader fight for equality.
Menaka Guruswamy is a renowned Indian lawyer and Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India. Born on November 27, 1974, she has made significant contributions to the field of law, playing a pivotal role in several landmark cases. Her expertise spans across various legal domains, including Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, White Collar Defense, and Arbitration.
Susanne Baer, a German legal scholar and judge, has made significant contributions to public law and gender studies. With a strong passion for constitutional law and anti-discrimination, she has played an instrumental role in shaping German law and advancing women’s rights. Baer’s dedication to gender equality and her commitment to upholding constitutional values have had a profound impact on society.
Mihaela van der Schaar is a renowned scientist and academic who has made significant contributions to the fields of machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and medicine. She currently holds the position of John Humphrey Plummer Professor of Machine Learning, AI, and Medicine at the University of Cambridge, where she also serves as the director of the Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine (CCAIM). Additionally, she holds the position of Chancellor’s Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Aisha Mughal, a renowned Pakistani transgender rights expert and researcher, has emerged as a prominent figure in the fight for transgender rights in her country. Born and raised in Pakistan, Mughal has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and well-being of transgender individuals.
Cleopatra Kambugu Kentaro is a Ugandan transgender woman and human rights activist. Growing up in Bakuli, Uganda, Cleopatra faced numerous challenges as she navigated her transition. She pursued higher education at Makerere University and now holds the position of Director of Programmes for UHAI EASHRI, an organization dedicated to supporting the sexual health and rights of marginalized communities. Cleopatra’s tireless efforts in advocating for equality and social justice make her an inspiring figure in women’s history.
Carol Lyons Meyers is an esteemed American feminist biblical scholar, known for her significant contributions to the field of religious studies. Born in 1942 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Meyers developed a passion for learning from an early age…
Agnes Hsin Mei Hsu-Tang, an archaeologist and art historian, was born in Taiwan and later became an American citizen. She has made significant contributions to the field of cultural heritage protection and rescue, advocating for the preservation of precious artifacts and historical sites.
Muazzez İlmiye Çığ (born 20 June 1914) is a Turkish archaeologist and Assyriologist who specializes in the study of Sumerian civilization. Born in Bursa, Turkey, Çığ has dedicated her life to unraveling the mysteries of ancient Mesopotamia and shedding light on the fascinating world of Sumer. Her groundbreaking research and unyielding passion for her field have made her one of the most influential female historians of our time.
Brenda Louise Romero (née Garno; born October 12, 1966) is an American game designer and developer in the video game industry. She was born in Ogdensburg, New York, and is a graduate of Clarkson University. Romero is best known for her work on the Wizardry series of role-playing video games and, more recently, the non-digital series The Mechanic is the Message. With a career spanning over three decades, Romero has made significant contributions to the gaming industry.
Kirthi Jayakumar is a peace educator, feminist foreign policy practitioner, and lawyer. She has been recognized as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and has served as an advisor to the G7. Kirthi is the founder of The Gender Security Project and The Red Elephant Foundation, and she is dedicated to promoting gender equality and peace.
Anna Pauline “Pauli” Murray (1910-1985) was an American civil rights activist, legal scholar, and Episcopal priest. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, she overcame significant challenges to become a leading voice for justice and equality. Murray’s groundbreaking work on civil rights and gender equality left a lasting impact on American society.
Ruth Wilson Gilmore, a prominent prison abolitionist and scholar, is known for her significant contributions to the field of carceral geography. Her upbringing, influenced by her family’s commitment to social justice, fueled her determination to fight for equality and justice. Gilmore’s activism began in college and continued throughout her career, leading her to co-found social justice organizations and challenge society’s perception of incarceration. In 2020, she was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Geographers.
Lois Ann Dickson Fitt Rice was an accomplished American corporate executive, scholar, and education policy expert. She fought for greater access to higher education for all students. Rice’s groundbreaking work as a lobbyist for the creation of the Pell Grant program earned her the title of the “mother of the Pell Grant.” Moreover, she was one of the first African-American women to serve on the boards of major US corporations, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.
Farzana Bari, a Pakistani feminist and human rights activist, has been a prominent figure in the field of gender studies. As the director of the Gender Studies Department at Quaid-i-Azam University, she has worked tirelessly to advance women’s rights in Pakistan. Bari’s academic research, policy advocacy, and activism have made her a leading voice in promoting justice and gender equality in Pakistani society. Despite the challenges she faces, Bari’s dedication to empowering women has had a profound impact on the country’s women’s history.
Heloise Ruth First (4 May 1925 – 17 August 1982) was a South African anti-apartheid activist and scholar. She was assassinated in Mozambique, where she was working in exile, by a parcel bomb built by South African police. Ruth First’s parents were founding members of the Communist Party of South Africa, and she followed in their footsteps, dedicating her life to the fight against apartheid. Despite facing persecution and imprisonment, she remained resilient in her efforts to expose racial segregation policies and advocate for a more just society.
Paola Severino, the first woman appointed Minister of Justice in Italian history, overcame personal challenges to establish herself as one of Italy’s top criminal lawyers and a respected academic. Throughout her career, she represented high-profile clients, provided legal counsel to Eni, and held prestigious positions such as vice president of the Superior Council of Military Magistracy. Severino’s remarkable achievements have paved the way for women in law, academia, and politics, inspiring many with her determination and resilience.
Dolores LaChapelle was a pioneering American mountaineer, skier, T’ai chi teacher, and leader in the Deep ecology movement. She achieved notable feats in her mountaineering career, including the first ski ascent of Mount Columbia and Snow Dome. Dolores also made significant contributions as a T’ai chi teacher and was known for her extensive research and writings. Her life’s work found a lasting home at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, ensuring the preservation of her wisdom and knowledge.
Margaret Alice Murray (1863-1963) was an Anglo-Indian Egyptologist, archaeologist, anthropologist, historian, and folklorist who left an indelible mark on her field through groundbreaking contributions. Her achievements include being the first woman appointed as a lecturer in archaeology in the United Kingdom and her significant discoveries in Egyptology. Murray’s passion for understanding ancient civilizations and advancing the status of women in academia made her a trailblazer and a pioneer in her field.
Johanna Mestorf was a pioneering figure in prehistoric archaeology, serving as the first female museum director in the Kingdom of Prussia and often referred to as the first female professor in Germany. Her extensive travels, translations, and writings on archaeology and ethnography solidified her reputation as a notable figure within the archaeological community. Her remarkable contributions to the field and commitment to advancing knowledge continue to inspire future generations of female scholars.
Bruna Forlati Tamaro (1894–1990) was an Italian archaeologist, classical scholar, and museum curator who made significant contributions to the field of archaeology. She played a crucial role in safeguarding Italy’s archaeological heritage and was a pioneer for women in the field. Her dedication, passion, and accomplishments will forever be remembered and celebrated.
Christina, Queen of Sweden, was a remarkable figure in 17th-century Europe. Born on December 18, 1626, Christina was the daughter of King Gustavus Adolphus and Queen Maria Eleonora. She was born in the royal castle Tre Kronor in Stockholm, Sweden, and her birth was highly anticipated by her parents and the Swedish people.
Giannina Braschi, born on February 5, 1953, is a Puerto Rican poet, novelist, dramatist, and scholar. Known for her unique and innovative writing style, she has made significant contributions to literature and political philosophy. Braschi’s notable works include “Empire of Dreams” (1988), “Yo-Yo Boing!” (1998), and “United States of Banana” (2011). She writes in a combination of Spanish, Spanglish, and English, creating a hybrid form of literature that incorporates poetry, metafiction, postdramatic theatre, memoir, manifesto, and political philosophy.
Mohtaram Eskandari was a prominent Iranian intellectual and advocate for women’s rights. As the co-founder and leader of the first women’s rights association in Persia, she played a crucial role in promoting women’s education and fighting for their rights. Despite facing challenges and arrest, her tireless efforts made her a well-known figure in Iran. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 29 due to complications from a childhood back surgery.