Happy International Women’s Day from Wedded Wonderland! As the 8th of March rolls around for another year, we are once again reminded of not only the women we stand alongside today – but those who paved the way throughout time.

Throughout history, there have been countless women who have made significant contributions to society and inspired generations of people. From political leaders and social activists to artists and scientists, these are the women who broke down barriers and opened doors for future generations. In this article, we take a look at some of history’s most inspiring women.

Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. At the age of 11, she began writing a blog under a pseudonym for the BBC about life under the Taliban regime, which had banned girls from attending school. After the Taliban attempted to assassinate her in 2012, she became an international symbol of female education and empowerment. Malala’s courage and determination to fight for her rights and the rights of others make her an inspiring role model for women around the world.

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks was an African American civil rights activist who refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white person in 1955. Her arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted over a year and ultimately led to the desegregation of public transportation in Montgomery. Parks’ act of defiance and her unwavering commitment to justice and equality continue to inspire activists today.

Marie Curie

Marie Curie was a Polish-born physicist and chemist who made ground-breaking contributions to the field of radioactivity. She was the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize, and the first person ever to receive two Nobel Prizes in different fields. Despite facing discrimination as a woman in the scientific community, Curie’s dedication to her research and her unwavering determination to make discoveries inspires countless women to pursue careers in science and technology.

Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter who is celebrated for her vibrant, surrealist self-portraits. She was also an activist who used her art to explore themes of identity, gender, and the human experience. Despite facing numerous challenges, Kahlo continued to create art and express herself throughout her life. Her resilience and creativity continue to inspire artists and activists today.

Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth was an African American abolitionist and women’s rights activist who delivered her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech at a women’s rights convention in Ohio in 1851. Her powerful words challenged the dominant ideas of her time about gender and race, and she continued to advocate for abolition and women’s rights throughout her life.

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist who wrote about her experiences growing up as a Black woman in the Jim Crow South. Her autobiographical work, including “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” is celebrated for its lyrical style and its honest portrayal of racism and sexism. Angelou’s resilience and ability to find hope and joy in difficult circumstances continue to inspire readers today.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt was an American politician, diplomat, and activist who served as the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. She was also a United Nations diplomat and a champion for human rights. Despite facing criticism and backlash for her activism, Roosevelt remained committed to fighting for social justice and empowering marginalized communities. Her leadership and advocacy continue to inspire women in politics and social activism today.

Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was an African American abolitionist and political activist who escaped slavery and then returned to the South multiple times to help free other slaves through the Underground Railroad. She also served as a spy for the Union Army during the Civil War and worked as a suffragist after the war. Her courage and determination to fight for the freedom and rights of others continue to inspire people today.

Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai was a Kenyan environmental and political activist who founded the Green Belt Movement, an organization that focused on promoting environmental conservation and empowering women through tree-planting initiatives. She was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her efforts to promote sustainable development and democracy in Africa. Maathai’s dedication to the environment and women’s empowerment continues to inspire environmentalists and social activists around the world.

Ada Lovelace

Ada Lovelace was a British mathematician and writer who is widely considered to be the world’s first computer programmer. In the mid-1800s, she worked on Charles Babbage’s analytical engine, a theoretical computing machine. Lovelace’s notes on the engine included the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine, earning her recognition as the first computer programmer. Her ground-breaking work in computer science has inspired countless women to pursue careers in technology and innovation.

These are just 10 of history’s most inspiring women, and are just a few examples of the countless women who have made significant contributions to society and inspired generations of people. Their courage, determination, and commitment to justice and equality continue to serve as a source of inspiration for women around the world. As we continue to strive for a more just and equitable society, we can look to these inspiring women for guidance and inspiration.

READ MORE: The Best Quotes From The World’s Most Influential Women