1. Eleanor Roosevelt
A woman who broke the mold to do things her own way and
on her own terms, no matter what the opinion of others -- or their view of
2. Rosa Parks
An 'ordinary woman' who took extraordinary risks for her own dignity and that of generations of others.
3. Susan B. Anthony
For her courage to be different from what was 'expected' of women of her time to help lay the groundwork for the recognition of the equality of women.
4. Jane Addams
One of the three US women to have received the Nobel peace prize, she fought for basic rights for all and for a world free of war.
5. Joan of Arc
A woman warrior who did what she believed in, despite incredible odds, and who would not back down from those beliefs, even at the cost of her life.
6. Elizabeth I
"Bastard" princess, she stood alone and refused to marry either to protect her political position or to strengthen it; yet despite the powerful forces arrayed against her, she became the most powerful queen of English history.
7. Aung San Suu Kyi
Because of her iron will and unswerving determination to help bring democracy to her people in the face of tremendous repression and at great personal cost.
8. Hellen Keller
A shining example that the human spirit can overcome the greatest odds; a powerful example that we are not our 'disabilities,' however that word may be defined.
9. Marie Curie
Extraordinary woman, extraordinary scientist. First person to receive the Nobel prize twice: first for physics in 1903 and then again for chemistry in 1911. At a time when 'women weren't scientists,' she was - and then some!
The women throughout the millennium who have toiled to make the world a better place for everyone, whether it be for women's rights and human rights; for global peace and justice; for the environment; for their communities; or to demonstrate, by their own example, that we can be anything that we want to be if we have the will and courage to try.