Results: Women who changed the World

Joan of Arc (1412–1431): The patron saint of France, inspired a French revolt against the occupation of the English. An unlikely hero, at 17, the diminutive Joan successfully led the French to victory at Orleans. A later trial and martyrdom only heightened her mystique.

Catherine the Great (1729–1796): One of the greatest political leaders of the 18th Century. She said to have played an important role in improving the lot of Russian serfs. She helped to cement Russia as one of the dominant countries in Europe.

Jane Austen (1775–1817): One of the most famous female authors of all time, She wrote several novels, which includes Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Northanger Abbey. Jane wrote at a time when female writers were not encouraged.

Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906): American Campaigner against slavery and for the promotion of women's and workers rights. She toured the US giving countless speeches on the subjects of human rights.

Florence Nightingale (1820–1910): British nurse. By serving in the Crimean war, she was instrumental in changing the role and perception of the nursing profession. Her dedicated service led to a significant improvement in the treatment of wounded soldiers.

Emily Dickinson (1830–1886): One of America's greatest poets, she lived most of her life in seclusion. Her poems were published posthumously and received widespread literary praise for their bold and unconventional style.

N/A or I am unfamiliar with all of these influential women.

Marie Curie (1867–1934): Polish/French scientist. Was the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize twice. First for research into radioactivity (Physics, 1903). Second Nobel for Chemistry in 1911. A few years later she also helped develop the first X-ray machines.

Helen Keller (1880–1968): American social activist. At the age of 19 months Helen became deaf and blind. Overcoming the frustration of losing both sight and hearing she campaigned tirelessly on behalf of deaf and blind people.

Coco Chanel (1883–1971): One of the most innovative French fashion designers, she was instrumental in defining feminine style and dress during the 20th Century. Coco often took traditionally male clothes and redesigned them for the benefit of women.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962): Eleanor made a significant contribution to the field of human rights, a topic she campaigned upon throughout her life. As head of UN human rights commission she helped to draft the 1948 UN declaration of human rights.

Mother Teresa (1910–1997): Albanian nun that devoted her life to the service of the poor and dispossessed. Through her Missionary of Charities organization she personally cared for thousands of sick and dying people in Calcutta. Awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1979.

Rosa Parks (1913–2005): Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, indirectly led to some of the most significant civil rights legislation of American history. She became one of the most well respected figures in the civil rights movement.

N/A or I am unfamiliar with all of these influential women.

Billie Holiday (1915–1959): American jazz singer. Given the title "First Lady of the Blues" Billie was widely considered to be the greatest and most expressive jazz singer of all time. Despite dying at the age of only 44, she helped define the jazz era.

Anne Frank (1929–1945): Dutch Jewish author. Anne Frank's diary is one of the most widely read books in the world. It reveals the thoughts of a young, yet surprisingly mature 13-year-old girl, confined to a secret hiding place.

Queen Elizabeth II (1926– ): Since ascending to the British throne in 1952, Elizabeth has become the longest serving British monarch. She has witnessed rapid social and economic change and has been a unifying influence for Britain and the Commonwealth.

Diana, Princess of Wales (1961–1997): British Royal princess who was noted for her humanitarian charity work. Despite her troubled marriage to Prince Charles, she was popular for her natural sympathy with the poor and disenfranchised.

Oprah Winfrey (1954– ): American talk show host and businesswoman. Oprah was the first woman to own her own talk show. Her show and book club are very influential, focusing on issues facing American women.

Malala Yousafzai (1997– ): Pakistani schoolgirl who defied threats of the Taliban to campaign for the right to education. She survived being shot in the head by the Taliban and has become a global advocate for women's rights, especially the right to education.

N/A or I am unfamiliar with all of these influential women.

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