Who changes the world? Women! Here are three of our heroines
As women, we are successful and powerful forces not to be reckoned with. We are career driven mothers, sisters, daughters and grandmothers who have an influential impact on the world.
There are many inspiring and successful women who have positively impacted on our society. Whether that is through commitments to charity, extensive efforts in science and medicine or lifetime achievements in campaigning, they are empowering women who have an enormous contribution to our societies.
Marie Curie, Gina Miller and Natalie Portman are just some of the women who continue to inspire us with their efforts. And they all have one thing in common – they’re all migrants, either first or second generation. We take a look at how their successes have changed the world we live in.
Marie Curie
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Marie Curie is one of the most influential women of all time, and her inspiring work is still remembered today through the Marie Curie Foundation that was named after her. The scientist was born in Poland however, she later became a French citizen after spending many of her years residing in the country.
She discovered Polonium and Radium, in which the phrase ‘radioactivity’ was coined. Marie, alongside her husband, Pierre, published 32 scientific papers which detailed that when exposed to Radium, tumour cells were destroyed more quickly than healthy cells.
In recognition of her work, Marie won two Nobel Prizes becoming the first and only woman to win twice and the first woman to win the prize. She was also the first woman to become a professor at the University of Paris. Marie is a truly inspiring icon for all women.
Natalie Portman
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The award-winning actress, most commonly known for her role as Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars franchise, was actually born Neta-Lee Hershlag in Jerusalem. She moved to the United States as a three year old and later gained dual American and Israeli citizenship.
While her acting has won multiple awards, Natalie is also known for her inspiring work in social and political causes. She is an advocate for animal rights and follows a vegan lifestyle, including not wearing fur, leather or feathers.
In 2011, she became an ambassador for Free The Children, a worldwide development charity and youth empowerment movement. As part of her ambassador duties, she hosted a contest challenging girls in North America to fundraise for one of the Free The Children all-girls school in Kenya.
Gina Miller
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A modern day heroine in the world of politics, Gina Miller is one of the most influential and inspiring women in our country. Born in British Guiana, Gina was sent to England by her parents when she was 10 years old to be educated at a girls school.
Her campaign efforts make her truly inspirational. In 2009, Gina set up the “True and Fair” campaign, which sought for greater transparency in the financial markets.
She is most well known for taking on the Government – and winning. After the Brexit vote, Gina argued that the Government should have to pass a vote on the issue. The case went to court and in January 2017 Gina won the landmark case with a High Court ruling majority of 8-2.
These three powerful women inspire us to change the world. If you want more inspiration, discover how mothers are changing their lives in our real life stories.
Photo by Heidi Sandstrom
