Biography of famous women in the world

  • Most powerful females in history
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  • Marie Curie, 1867–1934

    Marie Curie changed the world not once but twice. She founded the new science of radioactivity – even the word was invented by her – and her discoveries launched effective cures for cancer.

    "Curie boasts an extraordinary array of achievements," says Patricia Fara, president of the British Society for the History of Science, who nominated the Polish-born French scientist. "She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, first female professor at the University of Paris, and the first person - note the use of person there, not woman - to win a second Nobel Prize."

    Born in Warsaw, Curie studied physics at university in Paris where she met her future research collaborator and husband, Pierre. Together they identified two new elements: radium and polonium, named after her native Poland. After he died, she raised a small fortune in the US and Europe to fund laboratories and to develop cancer treatments.

    Marie Curie was a woman of action as w

  • biography of famous women in the world
  • (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

    Over the years, history has seen countless incredible women. We're talking about the kind of inspirational, powerful heroes who shook up the world as we know it. From women's rights activists and pioneers of racial equality to inventors, scientists, and world leaders, there are plenty of women throughout history who did the damn thing. So even though we're still often faced with blatant discrimination on the basis of sex, real progress has been made. For inspiration that'll drive you to make your own mark on the world, find inspiration in just some of the many women who shifted our culture in meaningful ways.

    (If you're searching for more inspiration from badass women, we've gathered a list of female Black History heroes that have gone unsung, and for movie lovers, a list of the best feminist movies of all time.)

    (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

    Jane Austen (1775 –1817)

    You can thank Jane Austen for basically creating those ro

    Biographies

    "The purpose of a berättare is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon."

    -Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings

    Women have always played an active role in history. Explore some of the historical women and contemporary newsmakers that continue to impact the world. New biographies are added regularly, so kontroll back to discover inspiring new stories!

    Biography

    Stacey Abrams

    Abrams fryst vatten now one of the most prominent African American female politicians in the United States.

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    Biography

    Jane Addams

    A progressive social reformer and activist, Jane Addams was on the frontline of the settlement house movement and was the first American woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize.

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    Biography

    Toshiko Akiyoshi

    Toshiko Akiyoshi changed the face of jazz music over her 60-year career. As one of few women and Asian musicians in the jazz world, Akiyoshi infused Japanese culture, sounds, and instruments inom