Usually I’m not one to write about my personal opinions. Maybe I’m a little scared about what other people may think or the fact that I’m not even sure how to write “properly”. Whatever the issue is; I’ve decided to get over it and start writing.
To start me off I’ve compiled a list of magnificent women who have influenced, inspired and impacted my life for the better. Of course these are not the only women who have shone like stars and made the world a better place. I could also gather a long list of men who are just as motivational but in order to keep you from falling asleep here are my top 10 favourite ladies:
Antonia Zabinski. (1908–1971)
Antonia Zabinski kept a diary through-out WWII where she wrote about the Jews she had been rescuing and hiding in her Zoo. Thanks to Diane Ackerman’s book ‘The Zookeepers Wife’ I discovered these diary entries and was in awe of her nonconformity and bravery. Not to mention she loves animals which instantly makes her a great person in my eyes!
Vivian Maier. (1926 –2009)
Vivian Maier was an independent, free-spirited lady (reason enough to love her!) who spent her life working as a Nanny but documented the world around her. It wasn’t until after her death that her photographs got true recognition.
In my opinion there is something extremely beautiful about the way she saw the world. Her images are truthful, raw and if I may say this… a tiny bit like mine.
Filmmakers John Maloof & Charlier Siskei made a documentary about her life. Its called ‘Finding Vivian Maier’ and I would highly recommend!
“Well, I suppose nothing is meant to last forever. We have to make room for other people. It’s a wheel. You get on, you have to go to the end. And then somebody has the same opportunity to go to the end and so on.” – Vivian Maier
Katy Perry. (b.1984)
I freakin’ love Katy Perry and I’m not afraid to say it! If she can get on stage and perform to thousands of people when her hearts just been smashed, I can surely wake up on a wedding day and take a photograph of 150 people!
‘Katy Perry: Part of Me’ … A documentary about her life, career and music.
Vilma Espin Guillois. (1930-2007)
Whenever I read about a county’s history it always seems to be about war. Cuban history is no different and just as I was walking through their ‘Museum of the Revolution’ starting to feel the same old doom & gloom I stumbled across this wonderful lady.
Vilma Guillois was a Cuban revolutionary, feminists & chemical engineer. She was heavily involved in the Cuban government and passed the ‘Cuban Family Code of 1975’ which required the equal share of housework between a man & woman.
She’s a woman of my own heart!
Emmeline Pankhurt. (1858 –1928)
It wouldn’t be International Women’s Day without mentioning all the wonderful suffragettes who fought so hard for our rights. We will forever be thankful for what you started. And we will never forget!
Billie Jean King. (b.1943)
Another great feminist who fought for equal pay within her field of work! Theres a film about it called Battle of the Sexes.
Jane Eyre. (published in 1847)
Yes she is a fictional character but Jane Eyre has helped me escape reality in many a tough time! Another book I read recently (‘Eleanor Oliphant is absolutely fine’ which I would highly highly recommend) perfectly summed up my feelings for Jane Eyre:
“Jane Eyre. A strange child, difficult to love. A lonely, only child. She’s left to deal with so much pain at such a young age- the aftermath of death, the absence of love. It’s Mr Rochester who gets burned in the end. I know how that feels. All of it” Chapter 8. Pg71.
OK I promise that’s my only emo one!
Katherine Johnson. (1918- she’s still alive. Making her 99!!)
Another woman I discovered this year thanks to a film called ‘Hidden Figures’. She was an African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.
Well done her is all I can say- I could never in a million years do any of that! And deal with the stupid racism she had to deal with too.
Eugeina Skeeter Phelan. (published in 2009)
‘Skeeter’ is another fictional character but any person who acts on the injustice they see in their own lives inspires me! Eugeina Phelan is the main character from ‘The Help’- a 23 year old white female journalist who writes a book based on the stories that the African-Americans in her neighbourhood relay to her.
Anne Frank (1929 – 1945)
Although she’s at the end of my list in no way does this mean I respect Anne Frank any less then no. 1. Anne Frank was bold, intelligent and charming. Her diary had me in tears throughout the whole thing. It’s completely beyond me how anyone can kill amazing vibrant characters like her. I would have loved to call Anne Frank my friend.
…. And that’s it! My first blog post where I’ve written more than one paragraph! Thank you for reading to the end 🙂
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