Junko Tabei only became a mountaineer to find a husband - at least that is what many of the male mountaineers suggested. The first woman to climb Mount Everest, she proved that women were more than capable of the endurance and determination needed to reach new heights.
A woman who turned her pain into art, Frida Kahlo is perhaps one of the most instantly recognisable women in the world, thanks to her many self portraits. She died young, but her legacy continues to grow.
The first woman to earn a doctorate in science and the first salaried female teacher at a University. Laura Bassi paved the way for women in academics.
Facing bullets, frostbite, scepticism and sexism. These daring Russian pilots were the horrors that besieged Nazi nights. The women of the 588th Night Bomber regiment, led by Marina Raskova, were feared by the Nazi's and led the way for women in warfare.
A remarkable figure, Wangari Maathai fought for conservation, Kenyan democracy and freedom. She helped plant 50 million trees, went on a hunger strike, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. She helped end the single party regime in Kenya, and earned global respect. A truly remarkable woman.
