Modern influences, young and old

Historic women are everywhere but modern stories of them are often overlooked in History classes.

The 21^st Century has many influential women who have made so a difference. One familiar example is Malala Yousafzai, an activist for female education. At the age of 12, a death threat was issued because she defied the local Taliban and spoke out about banning girls from going to school. She was then shot on her way home from school; but survived, enduring months of surgeries and rehabilitation. She moved to the UK with her family and gave an inspirational speech to the United Nations. At the age of 17, she became the youngest woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize. She also wrote her story in a book entitled I am Malala.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was also an inspirational woman, an amazing leader in equal rights for women and minorities. She battled with and overcame so much sexism growing up. Fighting for the same chance as any man, even having to work three times as hard to have that chance, she became one of the only four female justices in history. During the 1970s she served as the director of the Women’s Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union in which she argued six landmark cases on gender equality before the U.S. Supreme Court. She accomplished so much in her 87 years of life.

There are several other women who have influenced and helped inspire millions around the world. It is important to find ways to honor them for their accomplishments, especially during Women’s History Month.