Unsung Heroes: Inspiring Women in History and the Lessons We Can Learn from Them

While many famous women like Marie Curie and Harriet Tubman have rightfully earned their places in history, countless other women have also made significant contributions but remain less well-known. In this post, we'll explore the stories of five inspiring but lesser-known women, highlighting the lessons we can draw from their experiences.

There have been so many incredible women throughout history. It’s important to share their stories. When the same people get the spotlight over and over again, it makes it feel like there really aren’t that many women throughout history who have done remarkable things. Sharing new stories helps to show that it’s not a unique moment for women; it’s something we all can obtain in our own ways.

Ada Lovelace: The First Computer Programmer

Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician and writer, chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. Her notes on the engine include what is recognized as the first algorithm intended to be carried out by a machine, making her the first computer programmer.

Lessons:

• Visionary Thinking: Lovelace’s ability to foresee the potential of computing beyond simple calculations teaches us the value of forward-thinking and creativity.

• Breaking Barriers: As a woman in the 19th century, Lovelace’s accomplishments in a male-dominated field and continued as a mother remind us of the importance of challenging societal norms.

For myself, I think about pushing societal norms. When my children were little, I worked outside the home while my husband stayed home with our children. People thought he was selfish or even not a good partner, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Like Ada, I have the support of my husband, but I can’t help but think about how Ada must have had a lot of backlash from all sides, telling her to stick to what was expected, but she pushed through, and we have so much to be grateful for her tenacity. Ada Lovelace Day is the second Tuesday of October to raise awareness of all female contributions to the STEM fields.

Hedy Lamarr: The Inventor Behind Modern Wireless Technology

Hedy Lamarr was an Austrian-American actress and inventor. Though famous for her film career, her work as an inventor was groundbreaking. During World War II, she co-invented a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, which became the foundation for modern wireless communication, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

Lessons:

• Innovation Can Come from Unexpected Places: Lamarr’s story shows us that talent and intelligence can come in many forms and that innovation often arises from thinking outside the box.

• The Importance of Intellectual Pursuits: Despite being known for her beauty, Lamarr was also a brilliant inventor, reminding us not to judge others by appearances alone.

A poem Hedy wrote, “Give the world the best you have, and you’ll be kicked into the teeth. Give the world the best you’ve got, anyway.” is a testament to her character and wanting to share what you can do with others regardless of getting credit, regardless of adverse reactions from others, regardless of people thinking you weren’t capable. This helps to drive me to do the things I enjoy despite the negativity of others. Like doing Jiu-Jitsu, even though I’m overweight right now, or writing, even though I’m dyslexic and it’s hard. She was a brilliant person who didn’t really get credit for her work until after she passed away, and people to this day still say she was too pretty to be as smart as she was. So bring your talents and passions to others because whatever is going to happen is going to happen; you might as well do your best.

Junko Tabei: The First Woman to Summit Mount Everest

Junko Tabei was a Japanese mountaineer who, in 1975, became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. She also became the first woman to complete the Seven Summits, climbing the highest peak on each continent.

Lessons:

• Overcoming Obstacles: Tabei faced numerous challenges, including societal expectations and physical

limitations, but her determination and passion for mountaineering helped her achieve her goals.

• Pushing Boundaries: Tabei’s accomplishments remind us of the importance of pushing past our limits and setting our own goals, regardless of what others may think.

One thing that stands out about Junko Tabei’s interviews is her bubbly personality and passion for nature and conservation. Not only did she have incredible climbs, but she also did so with a happy attitude and even continued after battling cancer. Thinking about how many people do incredible things even when going through such tragedy helps to put into perspective my own life. When our kids were little, I worked full-time hours overnight at a hospital, and then when I got off work, I worked on our farm for a few hours and then slept. We were working to get out of poverty, to have something more for our children, but it was so hard. I was very grateful that I even had the opportunity to work as much as I did, about 60 hours a week. I wasn’t as bubbly to everyone as I would have liked, but I tried to do my best. That time in my life was one of the first of many obstacles to getting where we are today. It did show me that I could push harder than I ever thought was possible.

Ida B. Wells: A Crusader for Justice

Ida B. Wells was an African-American journalist, educator, and early leader in the civil rights movement. She was a founding member of the NAACP and is best known for her anti-lynching campaign, which she led with relentless determination despite facing threats to her life.

Lessons:

• The Power of the Pen: Wells’ investigative journalism and fearless reporting show the impact of speaking out against injustice and using one’s voice to fight for change.

• Standing Up for What’s Right: Her dedication to social justice, even in the face of danger, reminds us of the importance of standing up for what we believe in.

Journalism has a considerable role to play in our communities. Without them, basic gossip would be the news source, as is most social media today. Social media reminds me of the old gossip party phone lines that were supposed to be fun, but honestly, gossiping about anyone is not fun. That’s why getting news information from social media is so hard these days, and we need good journalists to write the facts of these stories to get them out into the communities. I think a part of the issue is that people would rather believe a fake story because it’s easier to believe when their friends believe it or when they can’t easily fit the problem. But if we all put our heads in the sand, then nothing will change. We should trust independent journalists, considering that real journalists have a code of ethics and standards. News personalities are not journalists; social media influencers are not journalists; they have something to gain when people engage. Whether it’s good or bad engagement, it doesn’t matter to them. Real journalism matters.

Noor Inayat Khan: The Forgotten Spy

Noor Inayat Khan was a British-Indian spy and Special Operations Executive agent during World War II. She was the first female radio operator sent into Nazi-occupied France, where she worked for the resistance. Despite being eventually captured, she never betrayed her comrades and was posthumously awarded the George Cross for her bravery.

Lessons:

• Courage in the Face of Danger: Khan’s bravery in one of the most dangerous roles of the war teaches us about the strength of conviction and the willingness to sacrifice for a greater cause.

• The Quiet Hero: Her story is a reminder that many heroes work in the shadows, making significant contributions without seeking recognition.

I think that’s part of why I wanted to highlight these women; so many of them are unknown to many, didn’t see recognition until after their deaths, or saw little credit for their work. It makes me think of my own Nana, Blondie Hewlett. She not only raised three daughters, one of them being severely disabled, but at that time, it was normal to put your child in a hospital or group home in the country. She was the first realtor in the county; she pushed for equal rights for women and disabled people by driving a bus for students to attend a special school for the disabled and regular public school. When thinking about all the things she did, it amazes me. She taught piano for years, so music was always being played and bringing joy to others. Her home was always open to others; every holiday, there was always someone from the community who didn’t have a family to celebrate with and she was the first to invite people over. She was a conservationist as well, I remember boycotting the building of condos right next to a vulnerable bird species nest migration and the building would disrupt the nesting so we organized to have the area recognized as a nature preserve instead. She made some significant contributions in her day that affected others to this day, all while being a quiet hero.

The stories of these lesser-known but equally inspiring women serve as a powerful reminder that history is full of remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions, often without the recognition they deserve. Their lives offer valuable lessons that continue to resonate today.

I encourage you to explore more about these women. Some of them have documentaries that go into great detail about their lives and achievements. Who inspires or drives you? What lessons or takeaways did you have? Share your thoughts or stories in the comments below or on our socials.