Women Who Changed The World, Part 1

Whenever we celebrate the International Women's Day (IWD), it is prudent to know that the observance was a result of the organizing activities of women in the early 20th Century. Between 1909 and 1911, working women in the United States participated in organizing strike activities of the National Women’s Trade Union League and other concerned groups. They were responding to the low wages, lack of protective legislation and the poor working conditions to which women workers were subjected during that time.

This year's celebration of Women's Month pays tribute to the strong and resilient "Juanas" who brought inspiring changes here in the country and across the globe.

With the recent geological, socio-economic and political upheavals that shook the country last year, 2014 brings a new ray of hope that will pave the way for healing, recovery and reconciliation. From the Zamboanga crisis to the pork barrel scandal, the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu, and the strongest typhoon history has ever recorded, and many disaster in other parts of the country, the Filipino spirit remains indomitable and unbowed.

To further inspire Filipino women to do more in the recovery and rehabilitation process, we have listed down some of the famous women who helped shape the world that we know today:

1. Sappho (c 570 BC) - One of the first published female writers. Much of her poetry has been lost but her immense reputation has remained. Plato referred to Sappho as one of the great 10 poets.
2. Cleopatra (69 -30 BC) - The last Ptolemaic ruler of Egypt. Cleopatra sought to defend Egypt from the expanding Roman Empire. In doing so she formed relationships with two of Rome’s most powerful leaders Marc Anthony and Julius Caesar.
3. Mary Magdalene (4 BC) - 40AD - Accounts from the Gospels and other sources suggest Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus’ most devoted followers. Mary Magdalene stood near Jesus at his crucifixion and was the first to see his resurrection.
4. Boudicca (1st Century AD) - Boudicca was an inspirational leader of the Britons. She led several tribes in revolt against the Roman occupation. Initially successful her army of 100,000 sacked Colchester and then London. Her army was later defeated.
5. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) - Mystic, author and composer. Hildegard of Bingen lived a withdrawn life, spending most of her time behind convent walls. However her writings, poetry and music were revelatory for the time period. She was consulted by Popes, Kings and influential people of the time. Her writings and music have influenced people to this day.
6. Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204) - The first Queen of France. Two of her sons Richard and John went on to become Kings of England. Educated, beautiful and highly articulate, Eleanor influenced the politics of western Europe through her alliances and influence over her sons.
7. Joan of Arc (1412-1431) - The patron saint of France, Joan of Arc inspired a French revolt against the occupation of the English. An unlikely heroine; at the age of just 17, the diminutive Joan successfully led the French to victory at Orleans. Her later trial and martyrdom only heightened her mystique.
8. Mirabai (1498-1565) - Born to a privileged Hindu family Mirabai broke with the conventions of society to live the life of a mystic and devotee of Krishna. For her unconventional lifestyle her family tried to kill her, but on each occasion were unsuccessful. Her bhajans and songs helped revitalize devotional Hinduism in India.
9. St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) - Mystic and poet, St Teresa of Avila lived through the Spanish inquisition but avoided been placed on trial despite her mystical revelations. She helped to reform the tradition of Catholicism and steer the religion away from fanaticism.
10. Catherine de Medici 1519-1589 - Born in Florence, Italy Catherine was married to the King of France at the age of 14. She was involved in interminable political machinations seeking always to increase the power of her favoured sons. This led to the disastrous St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre.
11. Elizabeth I (1533-1603) - Queen of England during a time of great economic and social change, she saw England cemented as a Protestant country. During her reign she witnessed the defeat of the Spanish Armada leaving Britain to later become one of the world’s dominant superpowers.
12. Catherine the Great (1729-1796) - One of the greatest political leaders of the Eighteenth Century. Catherine the great was said to have played an important role in improving the lot of the Russian serfs. She placed great emphasis on the arts and helped to cement Russia as one of the dominant countries in Europe.
13. Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) - Mary Wollstonecraft wrote the most significant book in the early feminist movement. Her tract "A Vindication of the Rights of Women" laid down a clear moral and practical basis for extending human and political rights to women. - A true pioneer in the struggle for female suffrage.
14. Jane Austen (1775-1817) - One of the most popular female authors Jane Austen wrote several novels, which remain highly popular today. These include “Pride and Prejudice” "Emma" and "Northanger Abbey". Jane Austen wrote at a time when female writers were very rare, helping pave the way for future writers.
15. Margaret Fuller (1810-1850) - She was an American women's rights advocate. Her book Women in the Nineteenth Century (1845) was influential in changing perceptions about men and women, and was one of the most important early feminist works. She argued for equality and women being more self-dependent and less dependent on men.