Model, author, actor and activist Waris Dirie worked for the United Nations from 1997 to 2003 as a Special Ambassador for the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation. She had written several books on the subject, and in 2002 launched her own non-profit, the Desert Flower Foundation, which raises money to increase awareness about FGM and to help those affected.
Shammuramat was a wife of King Shamshi-Adad V who ruled the Neo-Assyrian Empire as its regent for five years after his death in 811 BC until her son Adad-nirari III came of age. She is believed to be the basis for the mythical figure of Semiramis.
Zenobia was a 3rd-century Syrian queen who led a revolt against the Roman Empire.
Sofia Kovalevskaya was the first woman in Europe to earn a doctorate in mathematics, and went on to become the first female appointed as a professor in the field.
Considered by many to be the most successful pirate in history, Ching Shih led the Red Flag Fleet of 80,000 pirates and more than 1,800 ships, ruled the Chinese seas for two decades, and managed to retire happily – after extorting a very agreeable pension from the Chinese government.
The lone survivor of an ill-fated scientific expedition, this Iñupiat woman survived for two years on Wrangel Island, remote arctic island north of Siberia.
Chilean politician who served as the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2018 to 2022
Angela Madsen was an American Paralympian athlete in both rowing and track and field.
Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies was the queen consort of Spain from 1829 to 1833 and regent of the kingdom on behalf of her daughter Isabella from 1833 to 1840.
Mary Morello is an American activist who founded anti-censorship group Parents for Rock and Rap in 1987.