Inspiring Women Like Ruth Bader Ginsburg Who Shaped Feminism (2024)

In the first major rallying cry for feminism, The Suffragettes fought vehemently for women's rights, most specifically, the right to vote. Their movements and protests, both peaceful and radical, allowed for the nationwide right for women to vote in 1920. Some of the most notable women in the movement? Mary Wollstonecraft, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Stone Blackwell, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Emmeline Pankhurst, Sojourner Truth.

An outspoken political activist, writer and social theorist, in 1949 de Beauvoir wrote The Second Sex, an ahead-of-its-time book credited with paving the way for modern feminism. In the influential (and at the time, extremely controversial) book, de Beauvoir critiques the patriarchy and social constructs faced by women. The Second Sex was banned by The Vatican and even deemed "p*rnography" by some—a fearless start to the fight for feminism.

Roosevelt became the first First Lady to take on responsibilities beyond merely hosting and entertaining in the White House. Before her tenure as First Lady, she was already outspoken and involved with women's issues, working with the Women's Trade Union League and the International Congress of Working Women. From 1935 to 1962, Roosevelt wrote "My Day," a newspaper column that addressed women's work, equality and rights before there was even a word for "feminism"—the social issues at the time were considered "controversial," especially for that of a First Lady to speak about. After her time as First Lady, she became the first US delegate to the United Nations, served as first chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights and also chaired JFK's President's Commission on the Status of Women to promote equality and advise on women's issues.

While her efforts didn't directly fight for women's rights, Dietrich made a contribution to feminism through fashion. The Hollywood actress wore trousers and men's suits during a time where it was considered extremely scandalous and taboo; both on screen and privately, once almost being arrested for wearing pants in public during the 1930s. She was famously quoted saying, "I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men." Dietrich's way of dressing went on to influence generations of women after her, lending many the confidence and power of wearing a suit.

The American writer and activist penned The Feminine Mystique in 1963, which is often credited for sparking the second wave of feminism that began in the '60s and '70s. Friedan spent her life working to establish women's equality, helping to establish the National Women's Political Caucus as well as organizing the Women's Strike For Equality in 1970, which popularized the feminist movement throughout America.

Aptly referred to as the "Mother of Feminism," Gloria Steinem led the women's liberation movements throughout the '60s and '70s—and continues to do so today. Co-founder of the feminist themed Ms. Magazine and several female groups that changed the face of feminism including Women's Action Alliance, National Women's Political Caucus, Women's Media Center and more. All of her efforts led to her induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1993 and in 2013 she was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Steinem continues to be a trailblazer for feminism today, most recently with her Viceland series, WOMAN, and post-election action for young girls and women.

A trailblazing voice for black women, Davis played a crucial part in the Civil Rights movement. The political activist was a key leader in the Black Power movement, and though some of her more radical positions and role in political protests have been deemed controversial, she has relentlessly fought to champion the progress of women's rights for over six decades. She most recently served as an honorary co-chair for the Women's March on Washington in 2017.

The American author was known for her social activism that was often mirrored through her writing of oppression, women's rights and race. Some of bell hooks' most notable works include Ain't I A Woman? Black Women and Feminism and The Feminist Theory in which she declared, "Feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation and oppression."

Not only was Walters the first female co-host of a news show (although at the time she earned only half of her male co-workers), she also became the first female co-anchor of an evening news broadcast for ABC News. From the '70s until today, Walters paved the way for not only women in journalism but for women in the entire workforce.

Although most known for her marriage to Martin Luther King Jr. and her work with Civil Rights, Coretta Scott King devoted much of her life to women's equality. She helped found NOW (National Organization for Women) in 1966 and played a key role in the organization's development. In her efforts for women's rights, King was also notably the first woman to deliver the class day address at Harvard.

Through her literature, public speaking and powerful writing, Maya Angelou inspired both women and African Americans to overcome gender and race discrimination. In 2011, Angelou was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her works that spanned over 50 years including 36 books, seven autobiographies and over 50 honorary degrees.

Audre Lorde channeled her powerful voice through writing and poetry, exploring female identity and life as a Black lesbian and writing about issues that affected women across the country during the height Civil Rights movement. All of her work was based on her "theory of difference," which we refer to as "intersectionality" today. She famously said, "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences."

Before her tenure as Supreme Court justice, Bader Ginsburg co-founded the Women's Rights Law Reporter in 1970, the first U.S. law journal to focus exclusively on women's rights. Two years later, she co-founded the Women's Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), once again making sure women's voices were heard in law. Appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993, Bader Ginsburg became the second female Supreme Court justice ever, a position she still holds today and uses to advocate for women's rights.

Most known for her peaceful protests with John Lennon, Ono has also been a voice for gender equality throughout the years. Her 1972 essay, "The Feminization of Society" helped mark the female revolution of the '70s.

A critical voice for black women in the feminism movement, Walker has been instrumental in her efforts for women and even more specifically for women of color. The writer and activist was involved in the Civil Rights Movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King before joining Gloria Steinem as an editor at Ms. Magazine. Walker's most famous work, The Color Purple, became vital in telling the story of Black women and was later adapted into both a movie and a Broadway musical. Two years after its publication, Walker co-founded Wild Tree Press, a feminist publishing company. Walker's contribution to the feminist movement is vital for her efforts to make sure Black women's voices were included and heard. In 1983, she was the first to coin the term, "womanism," which sought to include Black women in feminism.

Clinton is the only First Lady to ever run for public office, serving as the first-ever female Senator from New York, Secretary of State under President Obama and of course, as the first-ever female candidate in the 2016 presidential election. Since the 1970s, Clinton has furthered the advancement of women through her various work from becoming the first female chair of the Legal Services Corporation in 1978 to delivering her famous "Women's rights are human rights" speech in 1995 to running an inspiring presidential campaign for girls to look up to in 2016. Despite facing countless sexism throughout the presidential election, Clinton took the high road up until the very end, memorably saying, "To all the little girls watching...never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world," in her 2016 concession speech.

Motivated by the unequal pay she received in the start of her broadcasting career, Oprah set out to start her own television show and from there built an empire catering to helping women grow, develop and thrive. "I never did consider or call myself a feminist, but I don't think you can really be a woman in this world and not be." She has since developed the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, the Oprah Winfrey Network and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.

DVF has built her entire fashion career on the concept of female empowerment. "Feel like a woman, wear a dress" and "Proud to be woman!" are just two of the designer's mantras evoked through her brand. Not only does she use fashion to empower women, she has also since founded The DVF Awards, which recognize incredible women who have made positive impacts on the world through leadership, philanthropy and hard work.

The Queen of Pop has built her entire career on pushing the limits of women and sexuality through her songs and music videos—unapologetically breaking gender stereotypes along the way. With her public persona, Madonna encouraged women to take unabashedly ownership over their sexuality and lives. Most recently, she's become vocal in speaking out against the sexism and ageism women receive today, continuing to dress as sexy as she wants at 58 years old.

The Facebook COO is responsible for pioneering the "Lean In" movement with her 2013 book encouraging women to excel in the workforce. Through her prominent position at Facebook, her work with the Lean In Foundation and Women for Women International Board, Sandberg is outspoken about the setbacks and inequality women face in the workforce. She also teamed up with Gloria Steinem to empower young girls following the 2016 presidential election.