When women stand united, no force in this world can stop them. Although, this world often tries to shun women for bringing a change in people’s lives. But, the reality remains that women are major contributors in improving every sector of the world community.
Starting from the pages of science and invention to art and literature, no field has been left untouched by a woman’s excellence. Women have tried time and again to make this world a better place to live in. Putting down are contributions of women in different fields, that have enabled easy work for future mates.
Science and Invention
If we go by age-old stereotypical notions, then society would say that the science sector only belongs to men. However, the truth lies in the fact that some major contributions in this field have been done by women.
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Jennifer Doudna
Jennifer Anne Doudna is an American biochemist famous for her evolving contribution in the field of CRISPR gene editing. The CRISPR/Cas9 gene scissors can lead to new scientific discoveries and new weapons in the fight against cancer and genetic diseases.
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Marie Curie
She is known for discovering polonium and radium. She has also highly contributed to finding a cure for chronic diseases like Cancer. Her findings have thus inspired people to find other treatments for further chronic illnesses.
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Janaki Ammal
Being India’s first Female Plant Scientist, she was the developer of several hybrid species that are used to date. She was also a biodiversity protection activist.
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Flossie Wong-Staal
Flossie has majorly contributed to finding a test for HIV, and she was the first scientist to clone the virus, leading to a map of its genes.
These are just a few examples of spectacular contributions by women in the field of science& invention. There are innumerable contributions that do not even get recognized owing to the gender of the researcher.
Art & Literature
With women possibly contributing everywhere they can, art and literature are one of those fields that have to be discussed. This field has led to the emergence of a lot of feminist writers and painters. These women had talked about feminism and equality much before the terms were discovered.
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Mary Cassat
She is one of those sole women who focused on making portraits of women, children and, motherhood. Cassat always inspires people through her story of struggle and not giving up her ways of painting under any circumstance.
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Frida Kahlo
A woman who contracted Polio when a child and had to survive an accident at the age of 18, had a tough life. Kahlo usually painted self-portraits, most of which showcased her struggles in life.
She’s quoted as saying, “I never painted dreams. I painted my reality.”
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Jane Austen
Austen was much more than another woman writer. At the time she wrote, her writings were published under the name of a male.
However, her strong female characters in her novel who challenged societal notions of marriage and women’s dependency, continue to inspire people to date.
Photo by Leah Kelley from Pexels
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J.K Rowling
She is the first-ever and the only billionaire author of all time. Known for her Harry Porter series of writings, she is said to have had huge contributions in enlightening children’s literature.
Fashion Industry
There have been many women in the world who have inspired the fashion industry as a whole. Be it fashion models, influencers, or designers, these women have had huge contributions in changing the notion of Fashion.
- Twiggy
She held a bold look during the ’60s with a pixie haircut and doe bold eyes. She was one of the very few first models to have an androgynous look. Thus, challenging notions of feminine beauty standards.
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Lauren Hutton
Possessing a wide-tooth grin and surviving in the fashion world is not easy. But, she did it like a boss lady. She set a different standard for women out there, giving a tough time to beauty stereotypes.
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Coco Chanel
This name needs no introduction. Little black dresses, tweed jackets, and cocktail neckline dresses, all became a fashion statement. However, her major contribution in improving women’s lives, in general, has been phenomenal.
One of the first women designers to introduce Boxy that could free women from tight and harmful corsets.
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Mary Quant
The woman who shall get all the credits for introducing mini-skirt to the world. This was an attempt on her part to make the lives of people easier. To make something that can allow people to run, jump and do whatever they want to.
Sports and Olympics
With women conquering every place they keep a foot in, the sports field is also not unknown to them. Women from all over the world are setting higher miles day by day, to encourage and inspire other folks in general. Listed down are some women and their exceptional ways of contribution.
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Ibtihaj Muhammad
An Olympic medallist in fencing, she was one of the very first women to participate in the Olympics wearing a hijab. Therefore, defeating the notion of dressing in a certain way while playing sports.
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Yusra Mardini
Syrian refugee and swimmer got a standing ovation at Rio Olympics 2016. This happened as she helped a sinking boat with refugees going to the Mediterranean, by bringing it back to safety.
Henceforth, she quite readily proved that courage does not need an age bar.
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Serena Williams
Four-time Olympic champion, Williams had to face huge backlash for returning to the Tennis field in a catsuit. However, despite officials asking her to, “respect the game and the place”, she stood firm on her decision of not relenting.
She believed that she should be allowed to wear whatever she feels comfortable in as catsuits reduce her blood clots. This can be seen as a new age inspiration for many women who do not wish to give in to unnecessary rules and boundaries.
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Mary Kom
A source of inspiration to many, she is the only boxer to have won eight World Championship medals. Coming from a comparatively poorer stratum of society, she overcame all the hurdles that bumped in her life. A perfect example of a person who defied the notion “women cannot do boxing”.
A sportsperson, a mother, a wife, a daughter, all responsibilities fulfilled with utmost determination and love.
Conclusion
These were just a few examples of a few women out of the bunch of thousands who continue to inspire people daily. Be it in terms of professionalism or personal equations, a woman can manage everything with utmost perfection.
In a stereotypical world where we live, it is relatively difficult for a woman to chase her dreams and succeed. So, when she eventually attains success, there are so many people out there to question her. But, the women mentioned above have time and again proven themselves. They have defied societal norms and prejudices and shined bright in every tough situation.
For more articles, click here: 10 Women Who Broke Sexist Stereotypes
