Section: Did you know that... 10 MOST FAMOUS WOMEN IN HISTORY 1. Virgin Mary Statues in her image are everywhere. Millions seek her intercession for God to hear their prayers. There’s no doubt that the mother of Christ is one of the most famous women in history as well as Christianity’s most central figures. Today, Virgin Mary is the epitome of unquestioning faith, endless devotion, and wholehearted virtuosity. 2. Mother Theresa While her real name, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, doesn’t ring a bell for most people, Mother Teresa is known throughout the world for her charitable works. 3. Joan of Arc Although her life was cut short when she was just 19 years old, Joan of Arc accomplished a great number of things that others wouldn’t have been able to do despite growing to a ripe, old age. She was already a notable leader in the French army at 17 years old as well as a courageous warrior and a brilliant strategist at 18 years old. When she reached the last year of her life, she was accused of heresy and burnt alive. Twenty five years later, she was proclaimed innocent and was hailed as a martyr. In the year 1920, she became a saint. 4. Rosa Parks Rosa Parks was another one of the most influential women in history. As a civil rights activist who fought for her rights as an African American, Rosa Park’s stance and actions against racial discrimination sparked a movement so large that it had lasting effects on the society. 5. Marie Curie Marie Curie is also one of the most important women in history, especially in the field of science. She was born in Poland in the year 1867, yet her mind and her ideas went beyond the limits of her time. She was the first ever to dabble in the area of radioactivity, which is a term she herself came up with. Her discoveries and research in her chosen areas of study have definitely contributed heaps to what science is today. 6. Florence Nightingale Even if you’re not familiar with the people who’ve made huge contributions in the field of modern nursing, you’ve probably heard about Florence Nightingale. Also known as “The Lady with the Lamp,” she dedicated her life to caring for patients with unwavering passion, kindness, and commitment. 7. Eleanor Roosevelt When it comes to the most influential women in history, no one can ever neglect to mention Eleanor Roosevelt. Although she was a part of the Senate and did a lot of charity work way before moving into the White House, Eleanor Roosevelt became even more involved in 1933 when she became first lady. As opposed to most first ladies, her duties went beyond being hostess to the most influential and powerful people in the world. 8. Queen Elizabeth I At a time when women were expected to marry, with no exceptions, and a monarch was obliged to provide an heir, Queen Elizabeth I chose not to conform to the norms. Throughout her entire life, she remained single. In spite of this “shortcoming,” she was considered a truly great leader, and her reign was one of England’s most successful. 9. Oprah Winfrey Everyone who is currently alive probably knows who Oprah Winfrey is. She is that well-recognized African-American woman whom you see when you turn on your television set and tune in to the world’s most loved talk show. Not only is she a woman who inspires and motivates, but she is also a philanthropist who is willing to go the extra mile for those who desperately need assistance. 10. Mata Hari A very gorgeous woman of Dutch origin, Mata Hari lived her life as a courtesan and an exotic dancer. Her somewhat controversial role doesn’t stop there, as she was thought to be a double agent during the First World War. In the year 1917, she was proclaimed guilty and was punished. Even to this day, no one really knows for sure if she spied for both Germany and France. One thing is clear, though. The name Mata Hari will live in the minds of men and women for centuries to come.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 07:02:15 +0000