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Nineteenth-century author Jane Austen wrote just a handful of novels, but they are among the best-loved in the world. Circumstances for women have changed immeasurably since her days, but her heroines are instantly engaging, while her wit and insight are irresistible. Though Jane herself never married and little is known of her romantic life, love stories like Pride and Prejudice and Emma ring completely true. In fact, they seem as fresh today as when they were written, making them a constant source of inspiration not only for other novelists, but also for film and TV .
Florence Nightingale was a pioneer in the field of nursing, helping it to become a recognised and respected profession. The Victorian icon first came to prominence during the Crimean War of 1853-6, when she took a team of nurses to care for British troops in Turkey's military hospital, the first time a woman had held such a role. Tireless, efficient and kind, Florence became known as The Lady of The Lamp because of her night-time rounds to visit the wounded soldiers. Now, more than a century after her death, we remember her on International Nurses Day, which is celebrated each year on her birthday, 12th May.
As leader of the suffragette movement Emmeline Pankhurst, born in 1858, helped British women win the right to vote. She is often criticised for her militant tactics, which included breaking windows, assaulting police officers, and eventually even starting fires. But there is no doubt that she was prepared to suffer for her principles: she often endured spells in prison, where she went on hunger strike and was force fed. Emmeline lived to see a law passed giving women over the age of 30 the vote, and just weeks after her death, in 1928, that age limit was lowered to 21. She is commemorated with a statue next to the Houses of Parliament.
Now for a woman who is still very much with us. In 1991, chemist Helen Sharman became her nation's first ever astronaut when she took part in a joint British-Soviet mission. Twenty-seven years old at the time of Project Juno, she won her place on it after responding to a radio advertisement, beating off competition from almost 13,000 other applicants. Before flying, Helen undertook 18 months of intensive training in Moscow's Star City. She and her fellow astronauts then spent 8 days in space, mostly at the Mir station. Since returning to earth Helen has worked full-time as a scientist and educator.
MORE:
- Meghan's empowering words about women
- Meryl Streep: An a-list advocate for women
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