Female Figures Have Been Changing The World
An anonymous man once affirmed that “Behind every great man, there is an even greater woman.” I believe that throughout history there have been numerous female figures who have affected the world we live in for the better. Although we might not recognize it, Golda Meir, The First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and Harriet Tubman have impacted many people via their extraordinary actions.
On March 17th, 1969, Golda Meir was elected to be the first woman, Prime Minister of the State of Israel. She served as the fourth Israeli Prime Minister and the third woman Premier in world history. She has become known for her strong will, determination, and advocacy. Golda Meir is known as the “iron lady” because of her strong determination and character. In addition to being the first (and only) Prime Minister of the state of Israel, she also served as the Minister of Labor, Minister of foreign affairs and the Minister of Internal affairs. Throughout her life, she was a leading social Zionist and an activist against anti-semitic violence. The Yom Kippur war was one of the most important events to happen during Golda Meir’s reign as Prime Minister. In the days leading up to the war, Israeli intelligence had been unaware that there was even an attack in the making.
On October 5, 1973, Yom Kippur, she heard that Syrian forces were advancing toward the Golan Heights. Meir did not mobilize troops until she absolutely needed to and said, “there is no need to sow fear among the populace.” (Golda.) Both Egypt and Syria attacked, thus, Golda was blamed for the unpreparedness of Israel’s troops. Meir made a decision that cost thousands of unnecessary Jewish lives before the war had even started. Earlier Golda wrote, upon being elected as Prime Minister, “... now I would have to make decisions every day that would affect the lives of millions of people…” (Avner.) What Meir had written in her journal could not have been a more accurate prediction of what her future as Prime Minister would bring. Golda Meir, throughout all her hard work and efforts, has taught that it is important to never stop fighting for what one believes in, even though the journey will likely not be an easy one. Another lesson learnt from Golda Meir is that sometimes it is okay (maybe even commendable) to make a decision that the populous does not completely agree with.
The First Lady is a woman of honor and influence. She is someone who is admired. One of the most well known and influential First Lady’s was Eleanor Roosevelt. She was born into a wealthy family, in New York, in 1884 when women’s rights were neither advocated for nor accepted. After suffering greatly in her childhood and witnessing her beloved husband go ill, Eleanor stepped up to the plate and became a political figure who showed women that they are able to create major change regardless of what life throws their way. She remodeled the role of the First Lady for all of her successors. Through Roosevelt’s philanthropic ideals, she contributed greatly to U.S culture. She promoted women's rights, human rights and rights for Black people.
Eleanor Roosevelt believed that “women had special qualities that made them peacemakers, conferees, and mothers, but she also believed that these qualities made them fine politicians, reformers, advocates and professionals.”(Roosevelt.) Roosevelt's passion for equality for women led her to make major contributions to the American culture. (Eleanor.) Professor, and author, Paula F Pfeffer, wrote in an article, Eleanor Roosevelt and the National World Women’s Parties, Roosevelt portrayed the ideal model of capable women in the public sphere. Eleanor Roosevelt encouraged women to get involved in and learn about the political world. She felt that it was very important for women to have careers outside of the home. (Paula.) She used her political standing to advocate for this. Eleanor Roosevelt was the beginning of Women in the public. She established the stepping stones for women in the workforce. Until this day, women learn from Roosevelt. She showed women to never be afraid to stand up for what is right. Throughout the decade of 1850 to 1860, Harriet Tubman was viewed as one of the most prominent female figures. Tubman freed slaves in the South, by escorting them on the underground railroad to Northern America and Southern Canada. Harriet’s desire for justice began when she was just 12 years old and living in Maryland.
She spotted a white man attempting to throw bricks at a black slave and she decided she was going to try and stop him. Her good deed left her with headaches and brain damage for the rest of her life. Harriet’s husband, John, threatened Harriet which provoked her to plan an escape. Harriet personally led 70 slaves to freedom and advised dozens of others on how to escape on their own. Harriet’s legacy has inspired countless people from every race (and every background) to pursue what they believed in. Before Harriet passed away, from pneumonia, she proclaimed, “I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger.” (Everpedia.) This quote proves her exceptional qualities of being such an important, leading woman. The fact that Harriet Tubman started the underground railroad showed that Women have just as much power (if not more than) men.
Because of Tubman’s acts of bravery and courage, she has not only become the most famous conductor of the underground railroad but furthermore one of the most notable female figures throughout all of history. “Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom keeps going.” It is not certain that Harriet Tubman actually ever said these words, however, she sure did live by them. Harriet Tubman was born into an enslaved family and was raised in a world with little to no hope. Nonetheless, she had big dreams and aspirations. Many people today owe their freedom to Harriet Tubman’s heroic acts.
Throughout history, there have been many female heroines, that have reformed society for future generations, such as Golda Meir, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Harriet Tubman. These three ladies are so remarkable that they are all recognized as a few of the most important icons in American and Israeli history. Golda Meir’s legacy lives on by other women who have taken political positions in Israeli society. Because of, in part, Eleanor Roosevelt’s great efforts, women are now treated closer in align to how men are treated. And through Harriet Tubman’s actions, she has taught to never give up. To never stop trying for justice. As a good friend once voiced, “One person has the ability to do, whatever he/ she sets his/her mind to.”
