Famous women in history for kids – meet 15 iconic women

Throughout history, there have been countless women who have defied the odds and made a lasting impact on the world. There were so many, that it is impossible to list all of them in just one article. However, we’ll take a closer look at 15 of the most influential women in history and explore how they became famous. Through their determination, talent, and passion, these women overcame obstacles and achieved great things, leaving a lasting legacy for us to admire and follow. Discover the secrets behind the success of women who changed the world with us. 

Egyptian queen who ruled during the Ptolemaic dynasty, a period of Greek rule in Egypt. She is well known for her beauty, intelligence, and political savvy. She was fluent in several languages and was well-versed in diplomacy and strategy. As queen, she played a key role in Egyptian politics and was instrumental in expanding Egypt’s power and influence.

Cleopatra was also a patron of the arts and sciences. She supported the construction of numerous public works, including libraries, museums, and theaters, and was a passionate advocate for education and learning.

Although her reign was relatively short, Cleopatra’s influence on the world was significant. She helped to expand the power and influence of Egypt, and her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony helped to shape the political landscape of the Roman Empire. Her legacy as a powerful and influential woman continues to inspire people around the world today.

She was a French peasant girl who became a military commander during the Hundred Years’ War between France and England. She inspired French unity and showed bravery and determination in the face of adversity. As a woman, she challenged traditional gender roles and proved that women could be powerful leaders. 

This amazing woman became the first professional female astronomer in the United States and was a pioneer in her field, making significant contributions to astronomy and science as a whole in world history.

Mitchell’s most notable achievement was the discovery of a comet in 1847, which earned her international acclaim and a gold medal from the King of Denmark. She was also the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and was the first female astronomy professor in the United States.

The space heroine’s influence on the world was significant, as she challenged the social and cultural norms of her time by pursuing a career in science and achieving great success. She paved the way for future generations of women in science and helped promote gender equality in the field. She also played an important role in advancing the understanding of astronomy and space, contributing to the growth and development of scientific knowledge.

American abolitionist and social activist. Tubman herself was born into chattel slavery, escaped and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 similarly-enslaved people, including family and friends, using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. During the American Civil War, she served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army. In her later years, Tubman was an activist in the movement for women’s suffrage.

Tubman’s influence on the world can be seen in her tireless efforts to fight against slavery and oppression. Her bravery and determination in the face of danger and adversity inspired many, and her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad helped countless enslaved people gain their freedom.

She is also a symbol of the struggle for civil rights and equality, and her legacy has continued to inspire and empower people to fight for justice and freedom. Tubman was recognized for her contributions to American history when she became the first woman, and the first African American woman, to be featured on the US $20 bill.

Marie Curie, a Polish physicist and chemist, one of the most famous women in history. Despite facing discrimination against women, she managed to become a two-time Nobel Prize winner, an impressive feat that has yet to be matched by anyone else. Marie Curie was not only the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize, but also the only person to receive it twice in different fields – chemistry and physics.

Curie’s research on radioactivity and her discovery of the radioactive elements radium and polonium were among her most significant contributions to science. Her groundbreaking work paved the way for new fields of science, including nuclear physics and nuclear medicine. Marie Curie’s legacy continues to inspire scientists and women around the world, highlighting the incredible achievements that can be accomplished through perseverance and dedication.

Coco Chanel was a French fashion designer and businesswoman, considered one of the most important figures in the fashion world of the 20th century. One of Chanel’s greatest contributions to fashion was the introduction of men’s wardrobe items such as suits, shirts, and jackets. Her style has become synonymous with elegance, simplicity, and independence.

Chanel also played a significant role in women’s emancipation, defying conventional clothing such as corsets and creating comfortable and functional clothing that allowed women to move freely and live an active lifestyle. As a businesswoman, Chanel successfully ran her brand, launching not only clothes, but also perfumes and cosmetics.

Thanks to her innovative designs and determination in running a business, Coco Chanel has become one of the most influential women in history, permanently changing the world of fashion and the way women dress.

As First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, Eleanor defined the role of the First Lady, using her platform to advocate for civil rights, women’s rights, and social justice. She was a passionate advocate for marginalized communities, including African Americans, women, and the poor, and she fought tirelessly to improve their lives.

After leaving the White House, Eleanor continued her activism, becoming a delegate to the United Nations and playing a key role in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Her work on behalf of human rights and social justice helped shape the modern world, and her influence can be seen in the many progressive policies and movements that have emerged in the decades since her death.

Eleanor Roosevelt was a powerful and inspiring woman whose legacy continues to inspire people around the world to fight for justice and equality. 

Frida Kahlo, was a Mexican artist and one of the most important figures of art in the 20th century. Her paintings often depicted her personal life and reflected the artist’s experiences. Frida’s works are characterized by emotional intensity and courage in tackling difficult topics such as suffering, illness and identity.

Kahlo is also considered a significant figure in feminist art. The artist openly opposed patriarchal norms and images of women in art. In her works, she typically presented the female body in a natural and non-idealized way.

Despite her short life and numerous illnesses, including polio, Frida Kahlo continued to create and fight for the rights of women and minorities. Thanks to her art and attitude, she quickly became an icon of women’s emancipation and freedom, and her influence on culture and art is still huge.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta was an Albanian nun, who devoted her life to serving the poor and sick in Calcutta, India. She created a huge charity organization, called Missionaries of Charity, which worked around the world helping those in need.

Mother Teresa was also a pioneer in the field of palliative care and established the first home for the dying in Calcutta, where medical and spiritual care was provided to those suffering from incurable diseases. She received many awards for her work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

Mother Teresa’s life and work are a reminder of the power of love, empathy, and dedication in serving others. Her example inspired many people around the world to take up charity work and help those in need.

She was an African-American social activist who became a symbol of the struggle for racial equality in the United States. Rosa Parks made history in 1955 when, as a black passenger, she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Thus, she initiated the civil rights movement and the fight for the abolition of racial segregation in America.

Rosa Parks was a member of the National Committee for the Protection of Civil Rights, and her activities and determination led to numerous protests, marches, and boycotts. Indirectly, thanks to them, racial segregation in public transport in Montgomery and other cities in the United States was abolished.

Rosa Parks’s stance has become a symbol of the fight for civil rights and racial equality, and her impact on the equality movement in the United States and around the world is enormous. Her courage and determination are still an inspiration for many people who fight for their rights and oppose social injustice.

Rosalind Franklin was a British scientist and crystallographer who made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology. Franklin’s most notable work was her research on the structure of DNA, which was critical to the discovery of the double helix structure by James Watson and Francis Crick.

Franklin’s legacy extends far beyond her work on DNA. She made significant contributions to the study of viruses, including the tobacco mosaic virus and poliovirus, which helped pave the way for the development of vaccines. Additionally, her work on the structure of coal and graphite helped to lay the foundation for the study of carbon fibers, which have important industrial applications.

Although she did not receive the recognition she deserved during her lifetime, Franklin’s work has had a profound impact on the fields of biology and chemistry. Her contributions to our understanding of the molecular structure of life have helped to advance scientific knowledge and improve the lives of people around the world. 

She was a British politician and the first female prime minister of the United Kingdom, from 1979 to 1990. She is considered one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century.

During her reign, Thatcher, nicknamed the Iron Lady, introduced reforms that led to the privatization of many state-owned enterprises, deregulation of the market and reduction of public spending. Thatcher was also a strong supporter of close cooperation with the US and NATO, as well as a fighter against communism.

Despite her controversial decisions and attitudes, Margaret Thatcher is considered one of the most important political figures in British history and one of the most important women in history. Her impact on the country’s politics and economy was enormous and still evokes a lot of emotions and controversies.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American jurist and Supreme Court Justice. She was a powerful and influential woman who dedicated her life to fighting for gender equality and civil rights. 

Ginsburg co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union. She argued several landmark cases before the Supreme Court, challenging gender-based discrimination and advocating for women’s rights. In 1993, she was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton, becoming the second woman to ever serve on the court.

During her tenure on the Supreme Court, Ginsburg continued to fight for equal rights, and her opinions and dissents became known for their clarity and advocacy of progressive values. She became a cultural icon, nicknamed “The Notorious RBG,” and her work inspired a generation of young women to pursue careers in law and public service.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy continues to inspire people around the world to fight for equality and justice. Her lifelong commitment to civil rights and gender equality has had a profound impact on the modern world.

The former British duchess, also known as the Queen of Human Hearts, is known primarily for her charity and humanitarian activities. She was particularly involved in helping those in need and fighting many social problems, such as AIDS, homelessness and addiction.

Princess Diana was one of the first members of the royal family to openly engage in charity, and her attitude contributed to changing the public’s approach to this topic.

Lady Diana’s public appearances drew attention to many important issues, thanks to which the princess became an inspiration for many people around the world. Diana’s dedication to others and her fight for women’s rights and against violence deserve special admiration.

Mother Teresa and Princess Diana passed away only 5 days apart. Both women were highly influential and beloved throughout the world. Although Mother Theresa was more used to caring for the poorest of the poor, she was open to befriending “anyone that Almighty God placed on her arduous path”, according to those who knew her. She and Diana became good friends, despite their contrasting lifestyles. The two of them met for the first time in 1992. 

Malala is just 26 today, however, despite her young age, she managed to make an impact on world politics. In 2014, the Pakistani women’s rights activist became the youngest recipient ever of the Nobel Peace Prize. Her advocacy centered around the right to education for girls in Pakistan, and her win was celebrated worldwide.

Malala Yousafzai became a global icon for her bravery and commitment to promoting education for girls. Despite facing violence and intimidation from the Taliban for her activism, Malala refused to back down and continued to speak out for girls’ education. Her resilience and determination have inspired countless individuals and organizations to support the cause of girls’ education, making her a true champion for human rights and equality in modern times.

What do you think about these incredible women from history who made significant contributions to the world? What other stories of famous people would you like your kids to learn? Let us know in the comments section below.