SPECIAL EDITION: Women who fought their way into history

March 25, 2023
by RJ Hamster

The rebels who overthrew an empire. America’s first investigative journalist. India’s forgotten power broker. The woman who declared herself pharaoh. These are just a few of the extraordinary stories we’re bringing you to celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. Find more of these stories here.

PHOTOGRAPH BY FRED W. MCDARRAH, MUUS COLLECTION/ GETTY IMAGES

How women claimed their place in America’s history books

This is the story of how frustrations over the exclusion of women from America’s national narrative boiled over in the 1970s—leading to the creation of Women’s History Month: “The history of women in the United States seemed to be written in invisible ink.”

THE OBSTACLES

RADICAL ROOTS: The surprising origins of International Women’s Day +

On Election Day eve [in 1920], white-robed Ku Klux Klansmen marched onto the grounds of a girls’ school, aiming to scare Black women away from the polls. When the women turned out to vote anyway, they took their courage from leaders like Mary McLeod Bethune and each other.

Martha S. Jones, author and history professor

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRITISH MUSEUM/SCALA, FLORENCE

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How three rebel queens overthrew an empire—and gave birth to a new kingdom

Ancient Egypt fell to invaders in the late 18th century B.C. But while the “Hyksos” took control of the north, a separate dynasty was growing in the south, centered in Thebes. Here is the story of the three lesser-known queens who guided the resistance.

HOW THEY WON

PHOTOGRAPH BY PETER HORREE, ALAMY

One of the most powerful woman you’ve never heard of

Begum Samru commanded an army, wore a turban, smoked a hookah, took a litany of lovers, and dubbed herself Joanna, after Joan of Arc.

HER STORY

PHOTOGRAPH BY LUISA DÖRR

Meet the women who are wrestling their way to equality

“People need heroes, wrestlers, champions of their own who can be admired.” Enter Bolivia’s stylish Flying Cholitas, women at the fore of an indigenous renaissance.

INDIGENOUS HEROES

BRIDGEMAN/ACI

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The first woman to make a living with her pen

In the 1300s, Christine de Pisan became a widow with three children. She upended medieval norms not only by refusing to remarry, but by deciding to earn her own living.

A WORKING WOMAN

IANDAGNALL COMPUTING/ALAMY STOCK

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These 7 women fought their way into history

Celebrated for her intellect and political cunning, Nzinga Mbande defined much of the history of 17th-century Angola—and is one of many women who personally led her troops into battle.

7 WARRIOR WOMEN

You know their names. Do you know their stories?

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Nellie Bly: America’s first investigative journalist

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Harriet Tubman: The spy who risked it all

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Hatshepsut: The woman who declared herself pharaoh

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Zenobia: The queen who conquered Egypt—and took on Rome

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Grace O’Malley: Ireland’s ‘nursing mother of rebels’

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Ada Lovelace: The pioneering ‘Countess of Computing’

Good Morning America has exclusive digital deals from women-owned businesses! You can find the deals, starting at $5 and up to 70% off, at GoodMorningAmerica.com. ››

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN JIN

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What do women in China want?

There are more than 8 billion humans on Earth, according to the United Nations. And for decades, China has had more people than any other country. But now, China’s population is declining and government campaigns are pushing women to get married and have children—but as National Geographic photographer Justin Jin observes, many young women are choosing a different path.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

The most dangerous part of any form of human oppression is that it can make people believe that there are no alternatives.

Angela Saini, science journalist

National Geographic is celebrating women breaking barriers, changing their communities, and inspiring global action. Read and listen to more stories here. ››

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SPECIAL EDITION: Women who fought their way into history

SPECIAL EDITION: Women who fought their way into history

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