125 Amazing Women Who Changed the World

(via Mental Floss) History is not always what is seems—regardless of what even the most robust textbooks might say. Take, for example, the work of Rosalind Franklin: The British scientist whose 1952 research was integral to the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, but who had her research swiped by male colleagues who announced their “discovery” to the world—and won a Nobel Prize for it—without giving Franklin any of the credit. While gender parity continues to be an ongoing problem (yes, even in 2021), the world is fortunately full of examples of brave women who have stood up to the most daunting challenges to make their voices heard and accept full recognition for their achievements. From singers to scientists and athletes to activists, here are 125 women who have changed the world.