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With the recent sad news of the death Sally Ride, the first American woman to travel to outer space, we take a look at women from across the globe who have inspired us or been pioneers in their chosen field.

 

Setting records and changing the world forever, the following women all lead by example and inspire women worldwide to believe in their dreams and that anything is possible!

 

1.  In 1928, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in an aeroplane. She received the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross for this record.

 

2.  In 1988, Australian Kay Cottee was the first female sailor to perform a single-handed, non-stop circumnavigation of the world. It took her 189 days.

 

3.  On May 16, 1975, Junko Tabei from Japan became the first woman to climb Mount Everest.

 

4.  In 1936, Elizabeth Cowell (pictured above) became the first female television announcer for the BBC, changing the face of television broadcasting forever.

 

5. American judge Sandra Day O'Connor was the first female member of the Supreme Court of the United States. Ms. O’Connor was appointed by President Reagan in 1981.

 

The following group of women have all been inspirational role models in their chosen careers or by the examples they set by the way they live their lives:

 

1.  The poorest people in Calcutta had their own Guardian Angel in the form of missionary Mother Theresa. Winning the Nobel Paece Prize as recognition for her incredible work, Mother Theresa, who died in 1997, was also beatified by the Catholic Church -- a step away from Sainthood.

 

2.  Queen Elizabeth II is seen by many as one of the most inspirational monarchs of modern times. Celebrating her Diamond Jubliee this year -- sixty years on the throne! -- Queen Elizabeth has reigned over the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with compassion and dignity.

 

3.  The phenomenally successful U.S. television personality and media mogul Oprah Winfrey took her talk show to become the highest-rated program of its kind in history. Celebrating self-help and spirituality, Ms. Winfrey is credited with the "confession culture" -- allowing people to air their views and issues on television to millions.

 

4.  Diana, Princess of Wales was known world-wide as the People's Princess. Her astounding work with many charities is topped off by a Nobel Peace Prize-winning campaign to ban landmines. Diana is also credited with changing the face of the British Monarchy and making the Royals more "available" to their subjects.

 

5.  No other woman in U.S. politics is as well known as Hillary Clinton. From being a former First Lady, who had trained as a lawyer, Mrs. Clinton went to being the first First Lady to ever be elected for office, winning and serving as a New York Senator for two terms. After only just losing out to Barack Obama as the Democratic Presidential candidate, Mr. Obama then went on to appoint Clinton as the Secretary of State in 2008. Hillary is also renowned for her charity work and commitment to belief in social media. Mrs. Clinton is a role model to all women that want to make a difference and prove that they are just as powerful as men!

 

Who are some of YOUR favorite female role models?

 

 

- Anysha Panesar, YH Staff