The 'A 100 Women Series': An Introduction

“A woman is like a teabag…” suggests Eleanor Roosevelt; “…you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Ask yourself this question, how much have women been acknowledged for their successes and incredible triumphs? Not as much as men I would argue. Some feminists would go further by accentuating that there is a complete lack of female representation and voice through the writings of history, or the concept of ‘women’s history’ is non-existent. Additionally, when the discipline of history is closely examined, women have appeared as fictional characters in folk stories, some a negative portrayal. But is it all accurate? Does it denote the full contribution of women in history?

The answer is no. The contribution has been such that some of the effects are still engraved in today’s societies but we may not see them directly. Women have founded many institutions that are vital for today’s survival, yet, some of us my not recognise that achievement. It might have taken a long while for the emancipation of women to establish in many fields, but I strongly believe that their prime contribution to history should still be acknowledged on the same terms as men.

The aim of the ‘A 100 Women Series’ is to celebrate the indelible mark women have created, and their utter commitment to achieving what was right for both themselves and humanity. I will be exploring those who have broken the glass ceiling, defied conventions and for those who have fought tooth-and-nail to accomplish their goals. Women may take most of their rights for granted nowadays, but how much have you thanked those who struggled endlessly to make those dreams a reality? Those who have put their lives on the line, or have even died for their cause because they were convinced that it would serve humanity right? That it would break down the barriers of subjugation and build the solid walls of women empowerment.

I will be congratulating the pioneers, the political leaders, the social advocates, the academics, the educators, the believers, the thinkers and lastly, the dreamers. Those who flourished in the fields of science and technology. Those who have excelled in film and television. Those who have blossomed in the world of business. Those who have thrived in the domain of sports. I will be acknowledging them all.  

This is pretty much the herstory of history. Of course women have contributed and have, additionally, been recognised. But not all of them. Achievement isn’t all about winning awards either. Legacy is much more essential, vital in fact. If the legacy is long lived, that’s an achievement in itself.