Historical Figures

• Annie Cohen Kopchovsky, bicycle adventurer

  Annie Cohen Kopchovsky, also known as Annie Londonderry (1870–1947), was the first woman to circumnavigate the globe by bicycle. The feat took him fifteen months. Young wife and mother Daughter of Beatrice and Levi Cohen, Annie Cohen was born in 1870, probably in Riga, Latvia, where her family or

• Uemura Shōen, painter of women

  Japanese painter, Uemura Shōen (1875 – 1949) works on many different subjects but is known mainly for his portraits of women. She is considered a great innovator in this traditional art. A young artist Uemura Shōen, real name Uemura Tsune, was born in Kyoto, Japan on April 23, 1875; she is alread

• Edmonia Lewis, talented sculptor

  American sculptor, Mary Edmonia Lewis (1844 – 1907) draws inspiration for her art from her Afro-American and Native American roots. In the time in which she lives, she is the only black woman recognized for her artistic talents in the United States. Wild Edmonia Lewis was born on July 4, 1844 or 1

• Beatrix Potter, famous author of children's books

  English naturalist, illustrator and writer, Helen Beatrix Potter (1866 – 1943) is known for her childrens books featuring animals, in particular the famous Peter Rabbit. A lonely child Born on July 28, 1866 in Kensington, London, Beatrix Potter is the daughter of Helen and Rupert Potter, a couple

• Maria Firmina dos Reis, a voice against slavery

  Brazilian writer, Maria Firmina dos Reis (1825 – 1917) opposes slavery in her novel Úrsula, which focuses on describing the harsh living conditions of black slaves in Brazil. Slavery in Brazil Maria Firmina dos Reis was born on October 11, 1825, in São Luís, in Maranhão, in the northeast of th

• Marianne von Werefkin, expressionist painter

  Russian-Swiss painter Marianne von Werefkin (1860 – 1938) strives to innovate and express sincere emotions through her art. In an expressionist style, she paints landscapes, human figures and scenes of everyday life. A young painter Daughter of the commander of the regiment of Yekaterinburg (a Ru

• Fukuda Hideko, author and feminist activist

  Japanese feminist author and activist of the Meiji era, Fukuda Hideko (1865 – 1927) created a magazine to defend women’s rights and was committed to equality and social justice. Political aspirations Daughter of Kageyama Umeko, teacher, and Kageyama Katashi, samurai, Fukuda Hideko was born on Oct

• Bertha Benz, automotive pioneer

  German automobile pioneer and inventor, Bertha Benz (1849 – 1944) was the first person in 1888 to drive a car over a long distance, outside the framework of short and supervised tests. It also developed the first brake pads. Passionate about technology Bertha Ringer was born on May 3, 1849 to a w

• Flora Nwapa, the mother of modern African literature

  Nigerian writer, Flora Nwapa (1931 – 1993) was the first Nigerian novelist published in London and one of the first African publishers; she has been dubbed the mother of modern African literature. An educated childhood Florence Nwanzuruahu Nkiru Nwapa, who will be known as Flora Nwapa, was born on

• Lucie Cousturier, engaged painter

  French artist, writer and intellectual, Lucie Cousturier (1876 – 1925) is part of the movement of neo-impressionism and pointillism, with her landscapes and luminous outdoor works. A committed woman, she published several works against colonialism. A young pointillist Lucie Cousturier was born as

• Chipeta, chef and negotiator

  A member of the Ute Indian people, Chipeta (1843 or 1844 – 1924) played the role of leader of her people and, alongside her husband, negotiated several treaties with the settlers. She is the only woman admitted to tribal councils. White songbird Chipeta was born – under another name – in Colorado

• Adrienne Grandpierre-Deverzy, painter

  French painter, Adrienne Grandpierre-Deverzy (1798 – 1869) stands out for her historical paintings and her portraits. She exhibited at the Salon for more than 30 years. Exhibition at the Salon Born in 1798 in Tonnerre (in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in France), Adrienne Marie Louise Grandpierre-Deverz

• Sultan Jahan, progressive queen

  Begum of Bhopal, Sultan Jahan (1858 – 1930) led a reforming and progressive policy, developing education, promoting agriculture and improving public health. Descendant of Begum Sarkar Amman was born on July 9, 1858 in Bhopal, India, which since 1818 has become a princely state overlord of the Br

• Nadira, poetess and regent

  Uzbek poetess and wife of a khan, Nadira (1792 – 1842) exercised the regency of the khanate of Kokand for ten years. She leaves many poems, dedicated in particular to womens issues of the time. Khans Wife Nadira Mahlar-ajim was born into the family of the khan (ruler) Rahmankul-bek in 1792. A bri

• Rose Fortune, business woman with character

  Canadian born into slavery, Rose Fortune (1774 – 1864) distinguished herself by setting up a successful business and becoming the first female police officer in Canada. From slavery to freedom Rose Fortune was born into slavery in Philadelphia (United States) on March 13, 1774. Her family will be

• Ilen Embet, skillful leader

  Entering politics by necessity, Ilen Embet (circa 1801-1851) reigns over the highlands region of Asmara (in Eritrea), leads her men into battle and fights herself. An intelligent woman Very little is known about the existence of Ilen Embet, who was born around 1801 in the border area between Eritr

• Fanny Mendelssohn, upset composer

  A talented German composer and pianist, Fanny Mendelssohn (1805 – 1847) saw her career thwarted by the opposition of her father, who refused to allow her to devote herself to music. A gift for music Daughter of Lea and Abraham Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Fanny was born on November 14, 1805 in Hamburg

• Labotsibeni Mdluli, queen mother and regent

  Queen-consort, queen-mother then regent of Swaziland, Labotsibeni Mdluli or Gwamile (circa 1859 – 1925) ruled and protected his kingdom at a time when European settlers were snapping up South Africa. Gwamile , the indomitable Daughter of Matsanjana Mdluli, Labotsibeni Mdluli was born around 1859 i

• Fanny Bullock Workman, geographer and explorer

  American explorer and geographer, Fanny Bullock Workman (1859 – 1925) was one of the first professional female mountaineers. She sets several altitude records, writes about her exploits and travels, and campaigns for womens rights. A privileged childhood Daughter of Elvia Hazard and Alexander H.

• Nicole Girard-Mangin, doctor at the front

  French doctor, Nicole Girard-Mangin (1878 – 1919) volunteered to go to the front during the First World War. Mobilized by mistake, she is the only French female doctor at the front. An unconventional journey Child of middle class merchants, Nicole Mangin was born in Paris on October 11, 1878. Sh