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Our Iconic Women

Throughout history, women have risen against the odds, challenging societal norms, breaking barriers, and leaving indelible marks on the world. Their stories of courage, resilience, and vision have not only shaped the course of history but have also inspired countless others to pursue their own dreams. Here, we celebrate the deeds of a few iconic women who have inspired us through the years.

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MALALA YOUSAFZAI

Marie Curie 1867-1934: A Pioneer in Science Marie Curie, a physicist and chemist, was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to have won Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields—Physics and Chemistry. Her groundbreaking research on radioactivity not only paved the way for advancements in medical treatments but also shattered the glass ceiling in the male-dominated world of science. Curie’s unwavering dedication to her work and her trailblazing achievements continue to inspire generations of women in STEM fields.

MARIE CURIE

Malala Yousafzai 1997-till date: A Voice for Education Malala Yousafzai became a global symbol of the fight for girls’ education when she survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012. Undeterred by the violence she faced, Malala continued her advocacy, becoming the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate at the age of 17. Her tireless efforts have brought attention to the millions of girls worldwide who are denied the right to education. Malala’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength and impact of a single voice raised in pursuit of a just cause.

Marie Curie

Malala Yousafzai

WANGARI MAATHAI

To make a lasting impact, we know that we must actively engage and include the communities we are seeking to help. We are continually learning and growing in how we show up as an authentic, ethical partner.Wangari Maathai 1940-2011: A Champion for the Environment Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, founded the Green Belt Movement in Kenya, a grassroots organization focused on environmental conservation, women’s rights, and community empowerment. Maathai’s work in reforesting Kenya not only protected the environment but also empowered women by providing them with livelihoods and a voice in their communities. Her legacy demonstrates the power of environmental activism in creating sustainable and just societies.

ROSALINE FRANKLIN

Rosaline Franklin (1920-1958) She studied chemical physics at Cambridge and she was instrumental in the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. Using a technique called X-ray crystallography, she captured an image of the same image (known as Photograph 51) with which James Watson and Francis Crick identified and understood the structure of DNA. For this work, published in Nature, the two scientists won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1962, eclipsing the role of the researcher in this scientific breakthrough that paved the way for life-saving drugs

Wangari Maathai

Rosaline Franklin

ROSA PARK

Rosa Parks 1913-2005: The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her act of defiance became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Parks’ courage in standing up against racial segregation inspired a nationwide effort to end racial discrimination and advance civil rights. Her legacy lives on, reminding us that even a single act of resistance can spark a movement for justice and equality.

FRIDA KAHLO

Frida Kahlo 1907-1954: An Icon of Artistic Expression and Identity Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter known for her vivid and surreal self-portraits, used her art to explore themes of identity, postcolonialism, gender, class, and race in Mexican society. Despite suffering from lifelong health problems due to a bus accident, Kahlo channeled her pain into her artwork, becoming a symbol of resilience and self-expression. Her bold defiance of traditional gender norms and her embrace of her unique identity continue to inspire artists and activists around the world.

Rosa Park

Frida Kahlo

OPRAH WINFREY

Oprah Winfrey 1954-till date: A Media Mogul and Philanthropist Oprah Winfrey’s journey from poverty to becoming one of the most influential women in the world is nothing short of inspirational. As a talk show host, producer, actress, and philanthropist, Oprah has used her platform to advocate for education, health, and social justice. Through her work, she has inspired millions to live their best lives and has been a role model for countless women, showing that with determination and empathy, one can achieve greatness.

SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR

Simone de Beauvoir 1908-1986: A Voice for Feminism Simone de Beauvoir, a French writer, philosopher, and feminist, is best known for her book “The Second Sex,” which is considered one of the most important works in feminist philosophy. In it, she examined the systemic oppression of women and challenged the traditional roles assigned to them. De Beauvoir’s intellectual contributions have had a profound impact on the feminist movement, inspiring generations of women to question societal norms and advocate for gender equality.

Oprah Winfrey

Simone De Beauvoir

MOTHER TERESA

Mother Teresa, 1910–97, born in Albania, was a Roman Catholic nun who lived in India for most of her life. In 1950 she founded the Missionaries of Charity which attracted many sisters who took vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and free service to the poorest of the poor. The work that the order undertook, in over 130 countries, included managing homes for people who were dying, soup kitchens, orphanages and schools. Although criticised for her opposition to abortion, her charitable work changed the lives of many of the most vulnerable people in the world.

BENAZIR BHUTTO

Benazir Bhutto (1953-2007) Benazir Bhutto is one of the most important women in history, as she was the first elected female Muslim prime minister of an Islamic country, Pakistan (from 1988 to 1990 and 1993 to 1996). As prime minister she led the way towards equality for Muslim women in the country. Her murder in 2007 shocked the world.

Mother Teresa

Benazir Bhutto

DR. NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala 1954-till date: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). She is an economist and international development expert with over 30 years of experience. She was Chair of the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (2016 – 2020), the African Risk Capacity (2014 – 2020) and Co-Chair of The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate. Previously, she served as Senior Advisor at Lazard and sat on the Boards of Standard Chartered PLC and Twitter Inc. Dr Okonjo-Iweala was appointed as an AU COVID-19 Special Envoy and WHO COVID-19 Special Envoy. Dr Okonjo-Iweala served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister (2003-2006, 2011-2015), the first woman to hold the position, and spent a 25-year career at the World Bank rising to the No.2 position of Managing Director. In 2020 Dr Okonjo-Iweala was named Forbes African of the Year. She has been ranked by Fortune as one of the 50 Greatest World Leaders (2015) and by Forbes as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the World consecutively for four years. She holds a Bachelor’s in Economics from Harvard University and a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Conclusion The stories of these iconic women remind us of the transformative power of courage, resilience, and vision. They have not only shaped our past but continue to inspire our present and future. By celebrating their deeds, we honor their contributions to the world and reaffirm our commitment to building on their legacy. These women prove that no challenge is too great and no dream too bold if we dare to pursue it.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Conclusion The stories of these iconic women remind us of the transformative power of courage, resilience, and vision. They have not only shaped our past but continue to inspire our present and future. By celebrating their deeds, we honor their contributions to the world and reaffirm our commitment to building on their legacy. These women prove that no challenge is too great and no dream too bold if we dare to pursue it.