Women’s History Month is a special time of the year to reflect not only the woman in our lives but also on the women who paved a way in our lifetime and the ones before. Let’s talk about my top five influential women who made an impact on the world we live in today.

          1.Sojourner Truth 1797-1883

Born into slavery in Riften, New York, Sojourner Truth was an African American abolitionist who fought for African-American rights, human rights, and alcohol temperance in the United States. Sojourner Truth was not only a voice for African Americans but women in general. On May 21, 1851, she gave a speech in Akron, Ohio at a women’s right convention. The title of her speech was called “Aint I a Woman? ”  In this speech she talks about how women’s rights are restricted and how she will continue to strive until women’s rights are equal rights.

2. Frida Kahlo 1907-1954

Known for her beautiful eyebrows and brilliant paintings, Frida Kahlo is hands-down one of the most memorable women in history. Frida had an extremely hard life growing up including instances like sickness and accidents, which she expressed through her vibrant and colorful art. Not only was Frida extremely talented, but she was also very confident. She flaunted her unibrow and hairy features, which others viewed as a “wreck”. One of Frida’s most amazing achievements was winning the “National Prize of Arts and Sciences” in the year 1946. Frida was a voice for many women,  Including those  who feel as if they could not speak out of fear of the consequences and also for women who don’t believe that the impossible is possible!

3.  Malala Yousafzai 1997-

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani woman who fought for what she wanted. On the early morning of October 9th, 2012, Malala was on her way home from school when she was attacked and gunned down by the Taliban. The reason for this attack is she simply wanted an education, which is something that was not approved of in her country.  After this incident Malala was more inspired to become a voice for those who had no voice like her. Today Malala fights for women’s education rights, especially in the Middle Eastern region where girls still cannot go to school without fear of being gunned down for wanting to learn. From the book I am Malala one quote has always stuck with me: “If one man can destroy everything, why can’t one girl change it?”. 

4. Oprah Winfrey 1954-

Oprah Winfrey is the true definition of “Having your cake and eating it, too.” Oprah is one of the most well known Black women to ever walk this earth. She has broken barriers and shred standards that you would not even know existed. Oprah Winfrey was born into poverty while living with her single mother in the early ‘60s. After seeing how different women and more specifically women of color were treated during this time, Oprah made it her mission to change the statistics and she did. Oprah was also an early age victim of sexual assault, which lead her to connect and reach out with others who have gone through the same things as she hasto let them know that the storm will soon pass.   One of Oprah’s huge accomplishments is the creation of Oprah’s Angel Network. ‘ With this charity she has numerous sponsors, which helped her open a school in Africa for disadvantaged girls in South Africa. 

5.  Marilyn Monroe 1926-1962

Marilyn Monroe was an American model, actress, and singer. Marilyn Monroe didn’t only fight for her rights, but she fought for the rights of others because she believed that everybody was equal, and nobody was more important than the other. Marilyn Monroe is a feminist icon who wasn’t afraid to show off her body, which is something that was heavily prohibited during that time. Marilyn Monroe fought fearlessly against the male-governed society and refused to be placed inside a box like the rest. Marilyn Monroe proved to women that you are more than you think you are, and you can do more than you think you can do even if you are the only one doing it.

Each day we are given a new opportunity to make an impact on the world. All of these women and many more in our daily lives have strived for what they wanted and succeeded because they never gave up. We are all capable of changing the world; all we have to do is believe.