6 Badass Women in History Whose Stories You Never Have Heard Of
As we celebrate Women's History Month, it's important to recognize and honor the achievements of the incredible women who have made significant contributions to our world throughout history. From scientists and writers to warriors and rulers, women have defied societal norms and overcome obstacles to leave their mark on history. In this article, we'll be focusing on five badass women whose stories you may not have heard, but whose legacies continue to inspire and empower women today. So, grab a seat and get ready to learn about some truly amazing women who have blazed a trail for generations to come.
Julie d'Aubigny, aka Lady Maupin - The Warrior Poet
Julie d'Aubigny, also known as La Maupin, was a French opera singer and swordswoman who lived in the 17th century. She was a true force of nature who defied the gender norms of her time and lived life on her own terms. She was known for her stunning voice and her skill with a sword, and her audacious lifestyle was scandalous even by the standards of the day.
What made Julie d'Aubigny a true badass was her willingness to challenge social conventions and break the rules. She defied gender norms by wearing men's clothing and engaging in duels with men. In one famous incident, she became involved in a sword fight with three men who had made inappropriate comments about her lady lover. She emerged victorious, but rather than seeking revenge, she helped the men escape from the authorities. Another legend is that she was infatuated with a nun, so she disguised herself as a nun to infiltrate the convent to get closer. She was pardoned twice by the King and had a constant propensity for getting in trouble. Her adventurous spirit and unwavering confidence made her a legend in her own time, and her legacy continues to inspire women today to live life on their own terms and not be afraid to break the rules.
Tomoe Gozen - The Samurai Marksman
Tomoe Gozen was a female samurai who lived in Japan during the late 12th century. She was known for her remarkable skill with the bow and arrow and her prowess in hand-to-hand combat. She fought alongside her husband in the Genpei War, a brutal conflict that lasted for several years, and her fearlessness and courage made her a legend among her fellow warriors.
What made Tomoe Gozen a true badass was her ability to hold her own in battle against men who were larger and stronger than she was. She was said to be able to shoot arrows accurately from horseback while riding at full speed, a feat that was extremely difficult and required an incredible amount of skill. Her courage and determination on the battlefield inspired those around her, and even after the war had ended, her legend lived on. Today, she is still celebrated as a symbol of female empowerment and a reminder that women can be just as strong and capable as men.
Hatshepsut - The Great Builder & Boss Lady
Hatshepsut was an ancient Egyptian queen who ruled from 1479 to 1458 BC. She was a woman of incredible intelligence and ambition who defied the gender norms of her time to become one of the most successful pharaohs in history. As a ruler, she oversaw a period of peace and prosperity and was known for her impressive building projects, including the construction of the temple of Deir el-Bahri.
What made Hatshepsut a true badass was her ability to break through the barriers that had been put in place to prevent women from assuming positions of power. She not only ruled as a pharaoh but also took on the trappings of male power, dressing in men's clothing and wearing a false beard. Her ambition and determination enabled her to overcome the prejudices of her time and prove that women were just as capable of governing as men. Hatshepsut's legacy as a powerful and successful queen continues to inspire women around the world to pursue their dreams and strive for greatness.
Cassie Chadwick - The Fraudulent Femme of Finance
Cassie Chadwick was an American con artist who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was a woman of incredible wit and charm who used her skills to swindle countless people out of their money. Her most famous scam involved posing as the illegitimate daughter of industrialist Andrew Carnegie and convincing banks to loan her huge sums of money, which she promptly absconded with.
What made Cassie Chadwick a true badass was her ability to manipulate and deceive those around her. She was a master of the art of the con, using her intelligence and charisma to gain the trust of her victims and convince them to part with their money. Despite the fact that her scams were illegal and unethical, there is no denying the sheer audacity of her schemes. Cassie Chadwick's legacy is a reminder of the power of deception and the dangers of placing too much trust in others, making her a true badass in her own right.
Ada Lovelace - The Avante Garde Technologist
Ada Lovelace was a British mathematician and writer who lived in the 19th century. She is known for her work on Charles Babbage's analytical engine, a theoretical computing machine that was the precursor to the modern computer. Lovelace is credited with writing the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine, making her one of the pioneers of computer programming.
What made Ada Lovelace a true badass was her willingness to challenge the gender norms of her time and pursue a career in a field that was almost exclusively male. She was a woman of incredible intelligence and ambition who was not content to simply accept the limitations that society had placed on her. Her work on the analytical engine paved the way for the modern computer, and her legacy continues to inspire women around the world to pursue their dreams and break down barriers. Ada Lovelace's story is a reminder that women have always been at the forefront of technological innovation and that their contributions to the field have often gone unrecognized. We're pretty sure she was a time traveler.
Alla Ilchun - The Muse of Dior
Alla Ilchun is a Chinese-born Kazahk/Russian fashion model who made history as the first Asian supermodel and the muse of Dior. In the 1990s, she walked the runways for top fashion houses such as Chanel, Versace, and Valentino, and graced the pages of magazines such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle. Her unique blend of Asian & Western features, combined with her poise and grace on the runway, made her a standout in the industry.
But Alla Ilchun was more than just a pretty face. She was a true badass in the world of fashion, blazing a trail for Asian models in an industry that was largely dominated by white models at the time. She refused to let her ethnicity hold her back and fought to be taken seriously as a model. Her graceful and humble attitude have made her a role model for generations of models to come.