My Webpage (Doesn't Fit on Blog)

Important Women in History

Over the course of human history, many women have done amazing things that deserve to be admired and celebrated. However, because of the patriarchal society that many of these women came from, they did not get the recognition they deserve. As well, many young women struggle to find role models of the same gender because women are often pushed out of the spotlight, or not given the same opportunities to succeed. I hope this webpage can highlight important women that should be recognized, while also displaying women that are role models for all people who aspire to greatness.

Jane Austen

Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an author of romantic fiction during the early 19th century. Her books are now some of the most widely read stories in the English language. She was one of the first successful female authors, and helped pioneer the modern novel. She published six novels during her lifetime: Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, Emma, and Mansfield Park. Her books contain strong female characters not seen in many other books of the time. Austen's dedication to her craft and her defiance of the social rules of the day are what make her an incredible role model. Because her books were published around 200 years ago, they are now in the public domain. You can read them all online. Click here to read her most famous novel, Pride and Prejudice.

“I hate to hear you talk about all women as if they were fine ladies instead of rational creatures. None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives.” -Jane Austen, Persuasion

Jeannette Rankin

Jeannette Rankin (1880-1973) was the first women elected to the Congress of the United States. In 1916, she was elected to the House of Representatives. Rankin was a devout pacifist. During her first term in Congress, she voted against United States entrance into World War I. Because of this decision, she was not re-elected for a second consecutive term. However, she was reelected to the House of Representatives in 1940. During this term, she became the only member of either house of Congress to vote against United States entrance into World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor. She was the only person to vote against entrance into both World Wars. Even after her political career ended, she remained an engaged member of society and continued to fight for her beliefs. Jeannette Rankin's Influence She took the crucial first step in the representation of women in the government by being elected to an all male congress. She showed the entire world that a woman could be as able a legislator as a man. She inspired woman across the nation to get involved in politics. She showed people how a politician ought to behave by sticking true to her beliefs despite the effect she knew they would have on her career. Today, the Jeannette Rankin Foundation honors Rankin by giving out aid to poor women so they can pursue education and careers. Find out more!

"I have nothing left but my integrity." -Jeannette Rankin

Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King (1943) is a gender equality activist and former professional tennis player. She won 39 Grand Slam titles during her career. In 1973, when the number of female athletes was growing rapidly, King participated in the Battle of the Sexes match against tennis superstar Bobby Riggs. Riggs was extremely inhospitable to female athletes, believing that they had no place in sports. He challenged female tennis players to matches, hoping to prove his point. However, on September 20, 1973, in Housten, Texas, in a match broadcasted to 90 million people worldwide, Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs 3-0. This victory showed to the world that female athletes belong in the world of sports. King's skill, determination, and ability to work under pressure was proof that women could be athletes as well as men. She also advanced the athletic opportunities of women by founding the Women's Tennis Association, World TeamTennis, and the Women's Sports Foundation. Since the end of her tennis career, King has continued to work for sexual equality. She was the first prominent female athlete to publicly state she was a lesbian. In her later years, she has been a prominent spokesperson for female and gay rights. Billie Jean King's Influence She showed the world that women were just as capable of succeeding in high stress situations as men. She showed the athletic community that women had the ability to be successful in sports. She inspired gay athletes throughout the world to be true to themselves. Her determination and dedication has made her a role model to athletes everywhere. Click hereto watch a video of Billie Jean King speaking about the Battle of the Sexes.

“Be bold. If you're going to make an error, make a doozy, and don't be afraid to hit the ball." -Billie Jean King

"The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it."-Roseanne Barr