2016 is here and the fight for women empowerment and equality is growing stronger. So many women are out there, trying to prove their worth, not only for themselves but for millions of other women across the world, giving them a voice. And mind you, the fight is nothing new. Women have been defying social norms and rocking the world since the last 125 years. So here, I bring you a list of the most dynamic and influential women of the world. Sit back and applaud!
Marilyn Monroe
She is one of the world’s biggest sex symbols, and guess what? She was never size zero. Marilyn Monroe gave an entire new definition to the word “sexy” with her curves and confidence. Living in foster homes and being raped while she was 11, Monroe overcame many difficulties to finally achieve her dream of becoming a top model and actress and so powerful was her on screen presence, that the world, even after 54 years since her death, still remembers her as one of the greatest entertainers of all times.
Michelle Obama
Let’s, for one moment, keep aside the fact that she is the wife of American president Barack Obama. Let’s focus on what Michelle Obama is, apart from the first lady of the U.S. She is a former lawyer, Chicago city administrator and a community outreach worker. She is also listed among one of the most fashionable women of the world. Her confidence and her unique no-nonsense style instantly grabs attention of every person in the room- including the media. She influences women from all around the globe and let’s say it- We all love her!
Oprah Winfrey
An actress, a philanthropist, a producer, a publisher, a talk show host and of course! A billionaire. Oprah Winfrey is probably the most popular T.V anchor of our generation, and for the generations to come. She is the richest African- American of the 20th century according to Forbes and named the most influential woman of her generation by the Life magazine. She also indulges in a lot of charity work. She was sexually assaulted while she was a teenager. She is now successful, popular, and loved.
Coco Chanel
The Little Black Dress, which is the most chosen party outfit by women of all age, was introduced by this fine lady. She changed the whole concept of fashion for women, by introducing Chanel suits- formal working skirt suits for women. She put comfort first while designing women attire. She also released her own perfume line. Coco Chanel created timeless designs which are popular even today.
Princess Diana
One of the most beautiful women of all times, Princess Diana was popular and loved due to her noble and charity works. She served the homeless, helped people with HIV and AIDS and children in need. Even after her divorce with Prince Charles, she continued to gain popularity due to her personality and her good deeds. Even after her death, a fund still exists by her name to help numerous organizations.
Rosa Parks
Who would have thought that a woman refusal to give up her seat to a white man in a bus would start a Civil Rights Movement? Rosa Parks, an African-American is the reason black people in a America gained an equal status and basic human rights. She was actively involved in civil rights issues and was a secretary to NAACP president E. D. Nixon. Despite of going through discrimination at all stages of her life, she still worked devotedly to bring social reforms and civil rights. Salutes to her and her strength!
Helen Keller
Being blind, deaf and mute since childhood didn’t stop Helen Keller from being a writer, an education and a humanitarian. She went on become one of the most popular female novelists and poet of all time. She wrote her first book, The Story Of My Life, with the help of Anne Sullivan, her teacher and her husband John Macy. Helen Keller wrote a total of 12 published books and several article. She remains as an inspiration for not only other women, but for all of mankind.
Marie Curie
Twice the winner of Nobel Price, Marie Curie was most acclaimed for her work on radio-activity, which also lead to her health problems and eventually became the reason of her early death. She is the first woman in history to win the Nobel Prize and the first scientist to win two Nobel Prizes. She also served during the First World War in 1914 by shipping portable X-Ray machines and medicines in medical vehicles named “Little Curies”. Her contribution to Science will always be remembered and honored.
Mary Kay Ash
Mary Kay Ash is the founder of a cosmetic company named after her. Mary Kay Inc. was the sixth largest direct selling company n the world in 2011. Mary Kay Ash also has a foundation called Mary Kay Foundation with supports cancer research and works for ending domestic violence. Mary Kay Ash is an inspiration to all women entrepreneurs and business women across the world.
Amelia Earhart
She is the first female pilot to fly across the Atlantic Ocean and the first person to fly over both, the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. She disappeared mysteriously in 1937 while flying around the globe from the equator. She has a day- Amelia Earhart Day, dedicated to her on her birthday July 24th every year.
With this I conclude the list of 10 daring, phenomenal and influential women of all times. They continue to inspire and motivate us and we honor and respect them.
(Image Credits :wikipedia.org, www.dailymail.co.uk, www.telegraph.co.uk, zumfeed.com, www.texasmonthly.com, luxebeatmag.com, womenshistory.about.com)
