History is full of incredible women who changed the world. These women broke barriers, redefined history, and paved the way for future generations. Yet, their contributions are often overlooked in public spaces. It’s time we build monuments honoring these 15 incredible women, not just as statues, but as symbols of inspiration for the world to see.
Harriet Tubman
A fearless abolitionist and conductor of the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman led countless enslaved people to freedom. She even served as a spy during the Civil War. Thanks to her incredible courage, several monuments honor her legacy, including the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Maryland. A true inspiration to women everywhere.
Rosalind Franklin
It wasn’t the work of a man; it was Rosalind Franklin’s groundbreaking work in X-ray crystallography that became crucial to the discovery of DNA’s double helix. Yet, for years, her contributions were overshadowed. It’s time we give this brilliant scientist the recognition she deserves. There are no widely recognized public monuments dedicated solely to her.
Sojourner Truth
An outspoken advocate for abolition and women’s rights, Sojourner Truth’s powerful speeches inspired generations. Her famous ‘Ain’t I a Woman?’ speech challenged gender and racial inequalities in 1851. On April 28, 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama unveiled a bronze bust of Sojourner Truth at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Great! (But a monument would be better!)
Ada Lovelace
Often called the world’s first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace saw the potential of computing long before it became a reality. Without her, the digital world we live in today might look very different. In March 2022, a statue of Ada Lovelace was installed in the City of Westminster, London, honoring her scientific findings.
Malala Yousafzai
Shot by the Taliban for advocating girls’ education, Malala didn’t let fear stop her. Instead, she became a global icon for education rights, winning the Nobel Peace Prize at just 17. A monument to her bravery would inspire generations to come. While globally recognized, there are currently (surprisingly) no prominent public monuments dedicated to her.
Katherine Johnson
A NASA mathematician, Katherine Johnson’s calculations helped launch astronauts into space, including the Apollo 11 moon landing. What a legend! Her brilliance broke barriers for Black women in STEM, and her story deserves to be carved in history, literally. A statue of her stands at West Virginia State University, her alma mater.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
A tireless advocate for gender equality, RBG changed the legal landscape for women in America. Her dissents were legendary, and her influence on justice was immeasurable. A monument to her would be a fitting tribute to her legacy, though a 7-foot bronze statue honors the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Frida Kahlo
With her striking self-portraits and unflinching exploration of identity, few are unfamiliar with Frida Kahlo and her redefined art. Her work continues to inspire people around the world. Frida Kahlo is honored with several statues, notably in Mexico City. In Frida Kahlo Park, there are two statues: one of Kahlo herself and another alongside Diego Rivera.
Wangari Maathai
The first African woman to win a Nobel Prize, Wangari Maathai was an environmental and women’s rights activist who founded the Green Belt Movement. Her dedication to reforestation and sustainable development deserves global recognition. In 2014, The Benedictine College, formerly Mount Scholastica College, unveiled a statue of the late Prof Maathai.
Marie Curie
Many will have heard of this inspirational woman due to the Marie Curie end-of-life charity in the UK. A two-time Nobel Prize winner, Marie Curie’s research on radioactivity revolutionized science. She paved the way for future generations of women in STEM. A statue honoring her stands in Warsaw, Poland, celebrating her scientific achievements.
Eleanor Roosevelt
A powerhouse in politics and human rights, Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the role of First Lady into one of activism and diplomacy. She helped shape the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The First Lady of the World Memorial in New York City honors her legacy, an inspiration to women of the past, present and future.
Maya Angelou
World-renowned poet, activist, and storyteller, Maya Angelou’s words continue to uplift and empower women across the globe. Her literary contributions and dedication to civil rights deserve to be honored with a monument celebrating her wisdom and grace. Her ‘Portrait of a Phenomenal Woman’ monument was eventually unveiled outside the San Francisco Main Library in 2024.
Amelia Earhart
Aviation pioneer and fearless adventurer, Amelia Earhart shattered barriers for women in flight. Her mysterious disappearance in 1937 remains an enigma, but her daring spirit had to be permanently honored in stone. Several monuments, including one in Atchison, Kansas, commemorate her pioneering aviation achievements. Her legacy lives on for women to be inspired by.
Angela Davis
A champion of civil rights, feminism, and prison reform, Angela Davis has spent decades fighting for justice. Her activism continues to inspire new generations. Her monument in New Orleans was defaced by protesters in 2016, claiming that her work oppressed African-American communities. Let’s hope that her work can be celebrated in the future.
Hedy Lamarr
More than just a Hollywood star, Hedy Lamarr was also a brilliant inventor whose work laid the foundation for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Her genius deserves a monument that highlights her contributions beyond the silver screen. A monument in Vienna, Austria, honors her contributions to both technology and film. Not bad for a movie star!
