Lucas M
Ever wondered who was the first woman to break a record or take on a role that was once considered a “no-go zone” for ladies? Buckle up because we’re about to look into the world of trailblazing women who didn’t just make history—they rewrote it with a splash of glitter and a touch of sass. Here is a list of 15 famous first women who prove that the sky’s not the limit; it’s just the beginning.
Sophie Blanchard
France’s ballooning pioneer, Sophie Blanchard, turned soaring through the skies into a profession. Imagine braving freezing temperatures, blacking out mid-flight, and almost drowning in a marsh—all in a day’s work. With over 60 challenging ascents, Sophie, in 1819, became the first woman to work as a professional balloonist and die in an aviation accident.
Harriet Quimby
In 1911, Harriet Quimby became the first woman in the US to earn a pilot’s license. But she didn’t stop there—by 1912, she’d also flown across the English Channel, marking another historic first. Nicknamed the “Dresden China Aviatrix” for her petite frame, Quimby turned her license into a media sensation.
Valentina Tereshkova
Valentina Tereshkova made history on June 16, 1963, as the first woman in space as she piloted Vostok 6 on a solo mission. Over almost three days, she orbited Earth 48 times. At just 26, she’s still the youngest woman to fly in space and the last surviving Vostok cosmonaut.
Bettisia Gozzadini
It might not be strange to see women teach at universities now, but back in the 13th century, Bettisia Gozzadini was breaking new ground. Believed to be the first woman ever to lecture at a university, this Bolognese jurist took to the podium at the University of Bologna around 1239.
Anna Bissell
In the early 20th century, while many were still adjusting to industrialism, Anna Bissell was blazing trails as the first female CEO in the US. Heading “Bissell,” the company famous for its carpet sweepers and vacuum cleaners, she mastered every detail of the production process.
Katharine Graham
As one of the female publishers of a major American newspaper, Katharine steered The Washington Post (1963 to 1991). Not stopping there, she also became the first woman elected to the Associated Press Board. Katharine turned headlines into history, proving that leadership in journalism was not just a man’s game.
Marie Curie
This French physicist and chemist redefined what was possible in science. She was the first lady to bag a Nobel Prize, the first to win it twice, and the only one to snag Nobel Prizes in two different fields. Marie didn’t just break barriers; she turned them into stepping stones for a scientific legacy that still shines brightly.
Selma Lagerlöf
Selma rewrote the rules of literary success when she decided to step up to the plate. At 33, she published her debut novel, “Gösta Berling’s Saga,” and soon after, in 1909, she earned the Nobel Prize in Literature as the first woman. By 1914, she also became the first woman admitted to the Swedish Academy.
Elinor Ostrom
Elinor Ostrom, a distinguished political economist from Los Angeles, made history in 2009 by winning the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. Born to a musician and a set designer, Ostrom’s research challenged traditional economic theories on resource management.
Gertrude Ederle
On August 6, 1926, Gertrude made history as the first woman to swim across the English Channel, earning the title “Queen of the Waves.” Earlier, at the 1924 Olympics in Paris, she earned a gold medal in the 4×100 meter freestyle relay. She redefined the limits for women in sports.
Junko Tabei
Junko Tabei shattered records and reached new heights as the first woman to climb Mount Everest. Moreover, after the Great East Japan Earthquake, she led annual climbs up Mount Fuji for affected youth. In honor of her incredible achievements, a mountain range on Pluto was named Tabei Montes.
Corinne Diacre
A former international player for the French national team from 1993 to 2005, Diacre’s career spans both playing and coaching. She broke new ground in football by becoming the first woman to train a men’s team. Her achievements pave the way for future women in football.
Danica Patrick
Did you think racing is just for men? Think again! Danica shattered stereotypes as one of the most successful women in American open-wheel car racing. Danica made history by becoming the first woman to secure a Cup Series pole position, setting the fastest lap for the 2013 Daytona 500.
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris became the first woman Vice President of the US on January 20, 2021, following Joe Biden’s presidential win. She is also the third person with non-European ancestry to elevate to one of the highest offices in the executive branch of the US.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
She was selected as Director-General of the World Trade Organization in March 2021. As the first woman and first African to hold this position, she has brought a unique perspective to global trade. Her role as a Nigerian economist in this prestigious position continues to influence international trade policies.
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