Women who have left their mark
Today is 8M, it is Women’s Day. That is why we have made a selection of the ten most influential women worldwide, taking into account values such as significant contributions to the promotion of inclusion and equal rights; notable achievements in fields such as politics, culture, science and technology; leadership in the fight against oppression, discrimination and injustice; lasting impact on society and history; and finally, the inspiration generated and empowerment of other women and people around the world.
Throughout the centuries, many women have fought for equal rights and social justice, and have made important advances in this area.
Ten women who have been leaders in promoting inclusion and equality worldwide
Malala Yousafzai: This young Pakistani activist is known around the world for her advocacy for girls’ and women’s rights to education. At the age of 17, she became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in this field.
Rosa Parks: Known as the mother of the civil rights movement in the United States, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955. Her courage and commitment inspired thousands to fight for racial equality in the United States.
Jane Addams: This social justice pioneer founded the first social settlement in the United States, Hull House in Chicago, which provided services and support to immigrants and low-income people. She was also a committed activist in the fight against poverty, racism and war.
Simone de Beauvoir: French philosopher and writer, Simone de Beauvoir was a key figure in the 20th century feminist movement. Her work “The Second Sex” is one of the most influential works on the status of women and their role in society.
Angela Davis: This American activist and academic has been an advocate for social justice for more than five decades. Her struggles include fighting racial oppression, gender discrimination and homophobia. She is also an activist for the abolition of the prison system and the abolition of the death penalty.
Rigoberta Menchú: Guatemalan indigenous leader and human rights activist, Rigoberta Menchú fought for social justice and the rights of indigenous peoples. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992 for her human rights work.
Gloria Steinem: American journalist and activist, Gloria Steinem has been a leader in the struggle for gender equality and social justice for more than five decades. She is co-founder of Ms. magazine and has worked tirelessly to promote equal rights for women.
Audre Lorde: A black poet, writer and activist, Audre Lorde was a key figure in the women’s liberation movement and the black liberation movement in the United States. Her work explores themes of oppression, discrimination and identity, and her poetry is a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusion.
Wangari Maathai: This Kenyan environmental activist was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in combating deforestation and promoting sustainability. She founded the Green Belt Movement, which has planted millions of trees around the world.
Emma Gonzalez: This young American activist became a leader in the anti-gun violence movement after the Parkland, Florida high school shooting in 2018, where 17 people were killed. Gonzalez has been a vocal advocate for gun control and justice for victims of gun violence.
These ten women are just a small sample of the many leaders who have fought for inclusion and equality throughout history. Their struggles and achievements are a testament to the importance of inclusion and social justice in our societies. They continue to inspire people around the world to fight for a more just and equal future.
Ten women who have marked Spanish history
Isabella the Catholic: Queen of Castile and León in the 15th century, Isabella the Catholic is known for her role in unifying Spain and promoting the exploration and colonisation of the Americas.
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: This Mexican nun lived much of her life in colonial Mexico, where she was a prolific writer and poet. She is also considered one of the first feminists in history.
Concepción Arenal: A 19th century Spanish writer and activist, Concepción Arenal fought for women’s rights and human rights in general. She was one of the first women to attend university in Spain and founded the Spanish Red Cross.
Carmen Laforet: Spanish writer whose novel “Nada” became a classic of 20th century Spanish literature. Her work deals with themes such as youth, alienation and repression under Franco’s dictatorship.
Clara Campoamor: Spanish politician who fought for women’s suffrage in Spain in the 1930s. She was a leading advocate of women’s rights during the Second Spanish Republic.
Carmen Martín Gaite: 20th century Spanish writer who was an important figure in the literary movement of the Generation of the 1950s. Her works deal with themes such as Spanish identity and culture.
Ángela Ruiz Robles: Spanish inventor who created the world’s first electronic book in the 1940s. She also invented a mechanical device for teaching reading that was a precursor to the modern electronic book.
Maria Zambrano: 20th century Spanish philosopher who went into exile during the Spanish Civil War. Her work addresses issues of identity, culture and politics in Spain and Europe.
These ten women represent just a sample of the many important figures in Spanish history. Their work and achievements are a testament to the importance of the role of women in history and in society at large.
