-
World-Changing Women: Alexandra Kollontai
Alexandra Kollontai, inspired by Marxist ideals, became a member of the revolutionary government and led a campaign to help women working in the appalling textile factories. Read her story here...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Alexandra KollontaiLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Caroline Norton
After experiencing an unhappy marriage an even unhappier divorce, Caroline Norton successfully campaigned to make women equal to men in the eyes of the law. Discover more about her life...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Caroline NortonLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Charlotte Maxeke
A rights activist against the explotation that was prevalent in South Africa, Charlotte Maxeke was South Africa's first black female graduate and one of the first female freedom fighters. Find out more about her extraordinary story...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Charlotte MaxekeLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Christine de Pizan
When Christine de Pizan became widowed in her mid-twenties, she supported her extended family by becoming one of the first female writers in Europe. Find out more about her life...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Christine de PizanLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Cynisca
Spartan females had much more freedom than other women in the ancient world; this allowed Cynisca of Sparta to win the Olympics twice. Find out more about her victories here...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: CyniscaLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Emily Davies
Emily Davies firmly believed that education was fundamental in improving a woman's place in society and strived for equality. Read her story here...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Emily DaviesLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Hildegard of Bingen
Hildegard of Bingen spent many years wiriting her prophetic visions down, helping the sick and preaching in a time of male hierarchy. Read up on her religious life...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Hildegard of BingenLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Laura Bassi
Laura Bassi is perceived as the first woman to hold down a science career, setting up a renowned school in her own home. Read up on her acheivements here...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Laura BassiLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Lucretia Mott
Lucretia Mott campaigned for slavery abolishment and women's rights in public meetings at a time when women were silenced. Discover her incredible story here...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Lucretia MottLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Madam CJ Walker
As a single woman in the early 20th century making ends meet was no easy feat, so it's remarkable that Madam CJ Walker became the first female self-made millionaire in America. Read her story here...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Madam CJ WalkerLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Manuela Sáenz
Manuela Sáenz fought to liberate her Lima and Peru from Spanish colonialism and rose to be a general in Bolivar's rebel army. Discover more about her extraordinary tale...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Manuela SáenzLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Marie-Louise Girardin
Marie-Louise Girardin escaped partental disgrace by disguising herself as a man and joining an expedition to the New World. Read about her extraordinary life in this article...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Marie-Louise GirardinLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Mary Prince
Mary Prince's published tale of violence at the hands of her owners had a great impact on anti-slavery campaigns, eventually bringing the slave trade abolishment. Read her remarkable history here...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Mary PrinceLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Murasaki Shikibu
Murasaki Shikibu worte the world's first novel, twice as long as War and Peace. Discover what is known about her life in this article...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Murasaki ShikibuLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Queen Nzinga
Queen Nzinga managed to call a halt to Portuguese slave raids in her kingdom through clever tactics. Read about her legacy in this article...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Queen NzingaLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: The Trung Sisters
The Trung Sisters, to this day, are well-celebrated in Vietnam thanks to their succesful resistance against the Chinese army. Learn more about their history here...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: The Trung SistersLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Nur Jahan
In the 17th century Nur Jahan exerted power over her Emperor husband, allowing her to give opportunities to orphaned girls and architectural developments in India. This article outlines her remarkable leadership...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Nur JahanLevel: 1 Introductory
-
World-Changing Women: Kate Sheppard
New Zealand was the first country to give women the right to vote, thanks to Kate Sheppard. Find out more about her time as a political activist...
Read nowWorld-Changing Women: Kate SheppardLevel: 1 Introductory
Skip to content
My OpenLearn Profile
- Personalise your OpenLearn profile
- Save your favourite content
- Get recognition for your learning
World-Changing Women: The Biographies
Updated Friday 13th March 2015
Delve through these courageous tales of women who changed the world and read the full story the history books left out.
Tags, Ratings and Social Bookmarking
Ratings
For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need.
Have a question?Other content you may like
Society, Politics & Law
Were most women overlooked from the Ascent of Woman?
The BBC/OU series The Ascent of Woman set out to restore women missing from the official histories. In a personal view on the series, Leeds University's Jessica Meyer asks if the series left too many tales untold.
Article
History & The Arts
Feminist History And Women's history
Professor Anne Laurence explores women's role in the past in this article on feminist history.
Article
Money & Business
Penalised for caring?
Women are better off today in many ways. But there are still women who are penalised for choosing to care for others.
Article
article icon
TV, Radio & Events
International Women’s Day – a cause for celebration?
On International Women’s Day, Raia Prokhovnik asks whether feminism still has something to offer
Article
article icon
Languages
Daughters of Spain
An exploration into the lives of Spanish women throughout history.
Article
History & The Arts
Download your free Divine Women booklet
Download your free 16-page booklet which explores five controversial areas around goddesses and women in religion
Article
History & The Arts
How women changed the world
Who wrote the first novel over 1000 years ago? Who disguised herself as a man to explore the new world? Take this interactive world tour to discover the stories the history books left out.
Activity
article icon
TV, Radio & Events
International Women's Day 2015
International Women's Day 2015 - Sunday 8th March
Article
History & The Arts
World-Changing Women: Emily Davies
Emily Davies firmly believed that education was fundamental in improving a woman's place in society and strived for equality. Read her story here...
Article
©1999-2018. All rights reserved. The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England & Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302). The Open University is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to its secondary activity of credit broking.
We invite you to discuss this subject, but remember this is a public forum.
Please be polite, and avoid your passions turning into contempt for others. We may delete posts that are rude or aggressive; or edit posts containing contact details or links to other websites.