Top 100 Influential Women in History

"A tribute to the women who changed the world"

From scientific breakthroughs and political leadership to art and social justice, these women have reshaped history, paving the way for generations to come. This list celebrates 100 of the most influential women whose legacies inspire and empower.

Topics

• Top 100 Influential Women in History
  • Topics
  • Cheat
  • Science & Innovation
  • Politics & Leadership
  • Social & Humanitarian
  • Arts & Literature
  • Activism & Social Change
  • Top 100 List
  • Top 100 Table
  • Conclusion
  • Images

Cheat

# Top 100 Influential Women in History
- Celebrating the Remarkable Impact of Women Throughout Time
- "A tribute to the women who changed the world"
- 100 historical icons who led revolutions, changed norms, and inspired change
- Influential, Trailblazers, Visionaries, Leaders, Artists

## Topics
- Science & Innovation: Marie Curie, Ada Lovelace, Katherine Johnson, Rachel Carson, Grace Hopper...
- Politics & Leadership: Rosa Parks, Indira Gandhi, Queen Elizabeth I, Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Thatcher...
- Social & Humanitarian: Mother Teresa, Malala Yousafzai, Harriet Tubman, Michelle Obama, Aung San Suu Kyi...
- Arts & Literature: Frida Kahlo, Jane Austen, Emily Dickinson, Georgia O'Keeffe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie...
- Activism & Social Change: Emmeline Pankhurst, Maya Angelou, Gloria Steinem, Simone de Beauvoir, Tarana Burke...

Science & Innovation

"Pioneers in discovery and progress"

These women paved the way in science, technology, and innovation, breaking barriers in male-dominated fields and making groundbreaking contributions that have influenced the world.

1. Marie Curie: First woman to win a Nobel Prize and only one to win in two sciences.
2. Ada Lovelace: Known as the world's first computer programmer.
3. Katherine Johnson: Mathematician whose calculations were critical for NASA's space missions.
4. Rachel Carson: Environmentalist whose book "Silent Spring" led to modern environmental movement.
5. Grace Hopper: Computer scientist and U.S. Navy rear admiral who pioneered computer programming.
6. Elizabeth Blackwell: First woman to receive a medical degree in the U.S.
7. Jane Goodall: Primatologist known for her work with chimpanzees.
8. Dorothy Vaughan: Trailblazing NASA mathematician and "hidden figure."
9. Sylvia Plath: Poet and author whose work has had lasting literary influence.
10. Anne Sullivan: Teacher and lifelong companion to Helen Keller, known for breakthroughs in communication.

Politics & Leadership

"Leaders who inspired change and governed with conviction"

These women held powerful positions and influenced political landscapes through bold leadership and decisions that shaped their nations and the world.

1. Rosa Parks: "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement" who refused to surrender her bus seat.
2. Indira Gandhi: First and only female Prime Minister of India.
3. Queen Elizabeth I: The last Tudor monarch, leading England to its golden age.
4. Eleanor Roosevelt: Former First Lady and U.N. delegate advocating for human rights.
5. Margaret Thatcher: The "Iron Lady" and first female Prime Minister of the U.K.
6. Benazir Bhutto: First female Prime Minister of Pakistan and leader in democracy promotion.
7. Golda Meir: Israel's first and only female Prime Minister.
8. Empress Dowager Cixi: Powerful figure who effectively ruled China for decades.
9. Angela Merkel: Chancellor of Germany, known for stability and leadership in Europe.
10. Queen Victoria: Monarch who oversaw the vast British Empire during its peak.

Social & Humanitarian

"Champions of compassion and change"

These women committed their lives to social causes, activism, and humanitarian work, improving countless lives and promoting justice and equity.

1. Mother Teresa: Catholic nun and missionary known for her work among the poor in Calcutta.
2. Harriet Tubman: Escaped slave who became a leading abolitionist and "conductor" of the Underground Railroad.
3. Malala Yousafzai: Youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate advocating for girls' education.
4. Michelle Obama: Former First Lady of the U.S., known for her initiatives on health and education.
5. Aung San Suu Kyi: Burmese leader and Nobel laureate advocating for democracy.
6. Florence Nightingale: Pioneer of modern nursing.
7. Sacagawea: Shoshone guide and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark expedition.
8. Rigoberta Menchú: Guatemalan activist and Nobel laureate for indigenous rights.
9. Wangari Maathai: Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
10. Tarana Burke: Founder of the #MeToo movement, advocating against sexual violence.

Arts & Literature

"Creativity that transcends generations"

These artistic and literary visionaries expressed the human condition through their work, impacting culture and changing perceptions.

1. Frida Kahlo: Renowned Mexican painter known for her self-portraits and symbolic art.
2. Jane Austen: English novelist known for works like "Pride and Prejudice."
3. Emily Dickinson: One of the greatest American poets, known for her reclusive life and profound poetry.
4. Georgia O'Keeffe: "Mother of American modernism" known for her iconic flower paintings.
5. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Acclaimed Nigerian author and advocate for feminism.
6. Louisa May Alcott: Author of the beloved classic "Little Women."
7. Sylvia Plath: Poet and author of "The Bell Jar," influential in literature and women's writing.
8. Anne Frank: Jewish diarist whose story highlighted the horrors of the Holocaust.
9. Maya Angelou: Poet and civil rights activist known for "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."
10. Beatrix Potter: Author and illustrator of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit."

Activism & Social Change

"Voices that sparked movements"

These trailblazers championed social justice, rights for marginalized communities, and equality, often at great personal risk.

1. Emmeline Pankhurst: Leader of the British suffragette movement.
2. Gloria Steinem: Journalist and social activist at the forefront of the feminist movement.
3. Simone de Beauvoir: Author of "The Second Sex" and influential feminist philosopher.
4. Sojourner Truth: Former enslaved woman turned prominent abolitionist and women's rights activist.
5. Marsha P. Johnson: Transgender rights advocate and Stonewall Uprising figure.
6. Billie Jean King: Tennis star and advocate for gender equality in sports.
7. Josephine Baker: Entertainer and WWII French Resistance agent who fought for civil rights.
8. Oprah Winfrey: Media mogul and philanthropist whose influence reaches across cultures.
9. Tarana Burke: Founder of the #MeToo movement, a catalyst for social change.
10. Victoria Woodhull: First woman to run for President of the United States.

Top 100 List

1. Marie Curie (Science & Innovation)
2. Rosa Parks (Politics & Leadership)
3. Mother Teresa (Social & Humanitarian)
4. Indira Gandhi (Politics & Leadership)
5. Margaret Thatcher (Politics & Leadership)
6. Cleopatra (Politics & Leadership)
7. Joan of Arc (Activism & Social Change)
8. Queen Elizabeth I (Politics & Leadership)
9. Queen Victoria (Politics & Leadership)
10. Eleanor Roosevelt (Politics & Leadership)
11. Harriet Tubman (Social & Humanitarian)
12. Helen Keller (Social & Humanitarian)
13. Florence Nightingale (Social & Humanitarian)
14. Amelia Earhart (Science & Innovation)
15. Frida Kahlo (Arts & Literature)
16. Margaret Sanger (Activism & Social Change)
17. Emmeline Pankhurst (Activism & Social Change)
18. Benazir Bhutto (Politics & Leadership)
19. Angela Merkel (Politics & Leadership)
20. Malala Yousafzai (Social & Humanitarian)
21. Susan B. Anthony (Activism & Social Change)
22. Ada Lovelace (Science & Innovation)
23. Sappho (Arts & Literature)
24. Anne Frank (Arts & Literature)
25. Simone de Beauvoir (Arts & Literature)
26. Golda Meir (Politics & Leadership)
27. Diana, Princess of Wales (Social & Humanitarian)
28. Oprah Winfrey (Activism & Social Change)
29. Billie Jean King (Activism & Social Change)
30. Empress Dowager Cixi (Politics & Leadership)
31. Maya Angelou (Activism & Social Change)
32. Gloria Steinem (Activism & Social Change)
33. Billie Holiday (Arts & Literature)
34. Madonna (Arts & Literature)
35. Mary Wollstonecraft (Arts & Literature)
36. Queen Hatshepsut (Politics & Leadership)
37. Eleanor of Aquitaine (Politics & Leadership)
38. Sojourner Truth (Activism & Social Change)
39. Jane Austen (Arts & Literature)
40. Katherine Johnson (Science & Innovation)
41. Margaret Mead (Science & Innovation)
42. Aung San Suu Kyi (Politics & Leadership)
43. Catherine the Great (Politics & Leadership)
44. J.K. Rowling (Arts & Literature)
45. Rachel Carson (Science & Innovation)
46. Michelle Obama (Social & Humanitarian)
47. Elizabeth Blackwell (Science & Innovation)
48. Queen Liliuokalani (Politics & Leadership)
49. Sacagawea (Social & Humanitarian)
50. Nefertiti (Politics & Leadership)
51. Jane Goodall (Science & Innovation)
52. Sylvia Plath (Arts & Literature)
53. Louisa May Alcott (Arts & Literature)
54. Emily Dickinson (Arts & Literature)
55. Georgia O'Keeffe (Arts & Literature)
56. Anne Sullivan (Social & Humanitarian)
57. Dorothy Vaughan (Science & Innovation)
58. Ava DuVernay (Arts & Literature)
59. Lucille Ball (Arts & Literature)
60. Ellen DeGeneres (Arts & Literature)
61. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Arts & Literature)
62. Nadia Comăneci (Science & Innovation)
63. Grace Hopper (Science & Innovation)
64. Sally Ride (Science & Innovation)
65. Phoolan Devi (Activism & Social Change)
66. Yaa Asantewaa (Politics & Leadership)
67. Victoria Woodhull (Politics & Leadership)
68. Frances Perkins (Politics & Leadership)
69. Billie Eilish (Arts & Literature)
70. Marie Stopes (Science & Innovation)
71. Simone Biles (Science & Innovation)
72. Wangari Maathai (Social & Humanitarian)
73. Audrey Hepburn (Arts & Literature)
74. Nina Simone (Arts & Literature)
75. Rigoberta Menchú (Social & Humanitarian)
76. Mary Shelley (Arts & Literature)
77. Helen Mirren (Arts & Literature)
78. Hillary Clinton (Politics & Leadership)
79. Greta Thunberg (Activism & Social Change)
80. Tarana Burke (Activism & Social Change)
81. Billie Holiday (Arts & Literature)
82. Gertrude Bell (Politics & Leadership)
83. Madam C.J. Walker (Science & Innovation)
84. Edith Cavell (Social & Humanitarian)
85. Hypatia (Science & Innovation)
86. Josephine Baker (Activism & Social Change)
87. Marsha P. Johnson (Activism & Social Change)
88. Dorothy Parker (Arts & Literature)
89. Nancy Pelosi (Politics & Leadership)
90. Coco Chanel (Arts & Literature)
91. Edith Piaf (Arts & Literature)
92. Ella Fitzgerald (Arts & Literature)
93. Beatrix Potter (Arts & Literature)
94. Elizabeth Fry (Social & Humanitarian)
95. Eva Perón (Politics & Leadership)
96. Martha Washington (Politics & Leadership)
97. Wilma Rudolph (Science & Innovation)
98. Zora Neale Hurston (Arts & Literature)
99. Agnodice (Science & Innovation)
100. Clara Barton (Social & Humanitarian)

Top 100 Table

Rank	Name	Topic	Tagline
1	Marie Curie	Science & Innovation	"First woman to win a Nobel Prize"
2	Rosa Parks	Politics & Leadership	"Mother of the Civil Rights Movement"
3	Mother Teresa	Social & Humanitarian	"Nun and missionary for the poor"
4	Indira Gandhi	Politics & Leadership	"First female Prime Minister of India"
5	Margaret Thatcher	Politics & Leadership	"The Iron Lady of Britain"
6	Cleopatra	Politics & Leadership	"Queen of ancient Egypt"
7	Joan of Arc	Activism & Social Change	"Heroine of France and saint"
8	Queen Elizabeth I	Politics & Leadership	"Led England to a golden age"
9	Queen Victoria	Politics & Leadership	"Oversaw Britain's global empire"
10	Eleanor Roosevelt	Politics & Leadership	"Advocate for human rights"
11	Harriet Tubman	Social & Humanitarian	"Leader of the Underground Railroad"
12	Helen Keller	Social & Humanitarian	"Author and advocate for disability rights"
13	Florence Nightingale	Social & Humanitarian	"Founder of modern nursing"
14	Amelia Earhart	Science & Innovation	"First woman to fly solo across the Atlantic"
15	Frida Kahlo	Arts & Literature	"Iconic Mexican painter and feminist"
16	Margaret Sanger	Activism & Social Change	"Pioneer of birth control advocacy"
17	Emmeline Pankhurst	Activism & Social Change	"Leader of the British suffragette movement"
18	Benazir Bhutto	Politics & Leadership	"First female Prime Minister of Pakistan"
19	Angela Merkel	Politics & Leadership	"Stabilizing leader of Germany"
20	Malala Yousafzai	Social & Humanitarian	"Advocate for girls' education"
21	Susan B. Anthony	Activism & Social Change	"Women's suffrage pioneer"
22	Ada Lovelace	Science & Innovation	"The world's first computer programmer"
23	Sappho	Arts & Literature	"Ancient Greek poetess"
24	Anne Frank	Arts & Literature	"Holocaust diarist"
25	Simone de Beauvoir	Arts & Literature	"Philosopher and feminist author"
26	Golda Meir	Politics & Leadership	"Israel's first female Prime Minister"
27	Diana, Princess of Wales	Social & Humanitarian	"The 'People's Princess'"
28	Oprah Winfrey	Activism & Social Change	"Media mogul and philanthropist"
29	Billie Jean King	Activism & Social Change	"Tennis champion and gender equality advocate"
30	Empress Dowager Cixi	Politics & Leadership	"Powerful ruler of Qing dynasty China"
31	Maya Angelou	Activism & Social Change	"Author and poet of resilience"
32	Gloria Steinem	Activism & Social Change	"Leader of the feminist movement"
33	Billie Holiday	Arts & Literature	"Iconic jazz singer"
34	Madonna	Arts & Literature	"Pop music icon and cultural influencer"
35	Mary Wollstonecraft	Arts & Literature	"Pioneer of feminist philosophy"
36	Queen Hatshepsut	Politics & Leadership	"One of the most successful female pharaohs"
37	Eleanor of Aquitaine	Politics & Leadership	"Influential queen of France and England"
38	Sojourner Truth	Activism & Social Change	"Abolitionist and women's rights advocate"
39	Jane Austen	Arts & Literature	"Author of beloved literary classics"
40	Katherine Johnson	Science & Innovation	"NASA mathematician crucial to space missions"
41	Margaret Mead	Science & Innovation	"Renowned cultural anthropologist"
42	Aung San Suu Kyi	Politics & Leadership	"Leader advocating for democracy in Myanmar"
43	Catherine the Great	Politics & Leadership	"Empress who expanded Russia"
44	J.K. Rowling	Arts & Literature	"Creator of the Harry Potter series"
45	Rachel Carson	Science & Innovation	"Catalyst for the environmental movement"
46	Michelle Obama	Social & Humanitarian	"Advocate for health and education"
47	Elizabeth Blackwell	Science & Innovation	"First female medical doctor in the U.S."
48	Queen Liliuokalani	Politics & Leadership	"Last sovereign of the Hawaiian Kingdom"
49	Sacagawea	Social & Humanitarian	"Guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark"
50	Nefertiti	Politics & Leadership	"Influential queen of ancient Egypt"
51	Jane Goodall	Science & Innovation	"Primatologist known for her work with chimpanzees"
52	Sylvia Plath	Arts & Literature	"Poet and author of 'The Bell Jar'"
53	Louisa May Alcott	Arts & Literature	"Author of 'Little Women'"
54	Emily Dickinson	Arts & Literature	"Reclusive poet of profound works"
55	Georgia O'Keeffe	Arts & Literature	"Mother of American modernism"
56	Anne Sullivan	Social & Humanitarian	"Teacher of Helen Keller"
57	Dorothy Vaughan	Science & Innovation	"Pioneering NASA mathematician"
58	Ava DuVernay	Arts & Literature	"Director and advocate for diverse storytelling"
59	Lucille Ball	Arts & Literature	"Pioneering television comedian and producer"
60	Ellen DeGeneres	Arts & Literature	"Comedian and talk show host"
61	Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie	Arts & Literature	"Nigerian author and feminist"
62	Nadia Comăneci	Science & Innovation	"First gymnast to score a perfect 10"
63	Grace Hopper	Science & Innovation	"Pioneering computer scientist"
64	Sally Ride	Science & Innovation	"First American woman in space"
65	Phoolan Devi	Activism & Social Change	"Bandit queen turned politician"
66	Yaa Asantewaa	Politics & Leadership	"Ashanti queen and resistance leader"
67	Victoria Woodhull	Politics & Leadership	"First woman to run for U.S. presidency"
68	Frances Perkins	Politics & Leadership	"First female U.S. Cabinet member"
69	Billie Eilish	Arts & Literature	"Grammy-winning musician and singer-songwriter"
70	Marie Stopes	Science & Innovation	"Pioneer in reproductive rights"
71	Simone Biles	Science & Innovation	"Most decorated gymnast of all time"
72	Wangari Maathai	Social & Humanitarian	"Nobel laureate for environmental activism"
73	Audrey Hepburn	Arts & Literature	"Actress and humanitarian"
74	Nina Simone	Arts & Literature	"Singer and civil rights activist"
75	Rigoberta Menchú	Social & Humanitarian	"Guatemalan activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner"
76	Mary Shelley	Arts & Literature	"Author of 'Frankenstein'"
77	Helen Mirren	Arts & Literature	"Award-winning actress"
78	Hillary Clinton	Politics & Leadership	"Former U.S. Secretary of State"
79	Greta Thunberg	Activism & Social Change	"Young climate activist"
80	Tarana Burke	Activism & Social Change	"Founder of the #MeToo movement"
81	Billie Holiday	Arts & Literature	"Influential jazz and blues singer"
82	Gertrude Bell	Politics & Leadership	"Adventurer, writer, and diplomat"
83	Madam C.J. Walker	Science & Innovation	"First female self-made millionaire"
84	Edith Cavell	Social & Humanitarian	"WWI nurse who helped POWs escape"
85	Hypatia	Science & Innovation	"Mathematician and philosopher of Alexandria"
86	Josephine Baker	Activism & Social Change	"Entertainer and civil rights activist"
87	Marsha P. Johnson	Activism & Social Change	"LGBTQ rights advocate and Stonewall icon"
88	Dorothy Parker	Arts & Literature	"Poet and satirist known for her wit"
89	Nancy Pelosi	Politics & Leadership	"First female Speaker of the U.S. House"
90	Coco Chanel	Arts & Literature	"Revolutionary fashion designer"
91	Edith Piaf	Arts & Literature	"Famed French chanteuse"
92	Ella Fitzgerald	Arts & Literature	"First Lady of Song"
93	Beatrix Potter	Arts & Literature	"Author and illustrator of children's classics"
94	Elizabeth Fry	Social & Humanitarian	"Prison reformer and philanthropist"
95	Eva Perón	Politics & Leadership	"Beloved First Lady of Argentina"
96	Martha Washington	Politics & Leadership	"First First Lady of the United States"
97	Wilma Rudolph	Science & Innovation	"Olympic track and field champion"
98	Zora Neale Hurston	Arts & Literature	"Author and key figure in the Harlem Renaissance"
99	Agnodice	Science & Innovation	"First female physician in ancient Athens"
100	Clara Barton	Social & Humanitarian	"Founder of the American Red Cross"

Conclusion

These 100 women have each contributed uniquely to the fabric of history, demonstrating unparalleled resilience, intellect, and dedication to progress. Their legacies continue to inspire change and empower generations to pursue greater equality, innovation, and compassion.

Images