Women in History Articles

It’s no secret that women’s contributions to history haven’t always been acknowledged or celebrated. Here, we’re shining a spotlight on women in history and everything they’ve accomplished for themselves and for future generations, all while managing to make it look easy.

Let’s take a look at the women who fought for equality, from the suffragettes who tirelessly advocated for the right to vote to Harriet Tubman, who helped free hundreds of slaves via the Underground Railroad. There are also innumerable little-known women who made an impact but have been largely forgotten by the history books, such as Trota of Salerno, the 12th-century gynecologist who stood up for the importance of women’s health, and Stagecoach Mary, the first Black female postal worker who became a legend of the Wild West. We also can’t forget the innovators, from scientists and environmental advocates to groundbreaking journalists. Join us as we celebrate the women in history who have risen to the occasion and exceeded the expectations that were placed on them.

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This Female Coder Wrote the Apollo Project by Hand

Margaret Hamilton oversaw MIT's groundbreaking Software Engineering Division.

5 Cleopatra Books That Unveil the Woman Behind the Myth

Descended from a Macedonian line of rulers, Cleopatra VII was the last queen of Egypt before it fell to Caesar Augustus.

The 8 Best Drunk History Episodes

A funny, irreverent series you won't regret binging.

The Best History Books of 2021

Illuminating tales of the past you won't want to miss.

Before Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter Wanted to Study Mushrooms

The beloved children's author was deterred from a career as a mycologist.

10 Royal Women Who Also Made History as Writers

These 10 accomplished women led countries, wrote poetry, chronicled history, and made their own.

A British Woman Was Convicted Under a Witchcraft Law During WWII

Helen Duncan claimed she had learned classified military information through her psychic powers.

The Affair of the Diamond Necklace Contributed To Marie Antoinette's Downfall

The scam caused the French queen's reputation to further deteriorate.

The History of the Corset, a Garment Fraught with Misconceptions

Often demonized as patriarchal torture devices, these garments were seen as a practicality in their day.

Betsy Ross: How the Seamstress Became an Enduring Symbol of American Patriotism

She's said to have created the first American flag, but the real story is more complicated.

8 Historical Female Rulers Who Challenged the Status Quo

These incredible women refused to wait on history's sidelines.

Coco Chanel’s Legacy, From Iconic Fashion Designer to Nazi Collaborator

The famed businesswoman had direct ties to Hitler’s intelligence agency.

How Trota of Salerno, 12th-Century Female Gynecologist, Disappeared from History

The historical reputation of Trota through the years shows how the mores of a current society can restrict contemporary understanding of a figure from the past.

Schoolteacher Louise Thuliez Became a Key Resistance Fighter in 2 World Wars

Driven to help, Louise Thuliez aided underground networks in France despite facing an all-too-real threat of execution.

30 Biographies of Remarkable Women That You Need to Read

These fascinating biographies deserve a spot on your must-read list.