By Marina Fernández de Paz, Contributing Writer
Over the course of history, innumerable women have contributed to science, politics, art, and social movements, but many of them remain unsung. Although names like Marie Curie and Rosa Parks are well known, there are many other incredible women whose tales are worth telling.
Whether their achievements were dismissed by sexist prejudice or overshadowed by their male counterparts, these women had a lasting impact on the world.
Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958), is the woman behind DNA’S structure. Franklin was a talented chemist and X-ray crystallographer whose work was instrumental in establishing the structure of DNA.
At King’s College London in the early 1950s, Franklin made the application of X-ray diffraction to explore the molecular structure of DNA and came up with the famous “Photo 51” which served as the main evidence for the double helix structure.
Franklin’s work was used without her explicit consent by Francis Crick and James Watson to develop the best-accepted DNA model. In 1962, the Nobel Prize was awarded to Watson, Crick, and Maurice Wilkins.
But Franklin, who had died of ovarian cancer at age 37, was not mentioned in their acceptance speeches. Though she was granted posthumous honors, Franklin remains far less well-known than Watson and Crick
Her research went beyond DNA, as she also conducted groundbreaking research on RNA, viruses, and carbon, paving the way for subsequent advances in molecular biology. Her story is typical of the difficulties that have faced many women scientists in getting appropriate recognition for their work.
“Their perseverance is inspiring. They didn’t let obstacles stop them, even when the odds were against them. I think that’s something all women can take to heart” said Mackenzie Holliday, a freshman majoring on sports business at Saint Leo University.
Another example of women who were important to the world, now in the territory of sports was Wilma Rudolph.
She was a very good athlete who managed to overcome fantastic odds to win the Olympic gold medal. Born in 1940, she contracted polio as a child and was told she would never walk again. Thanks to her strength and endurance, she not only regained the use of her legs, but became one of the fastest women in the world.
At the 1960 Rome Olympics, Rudolph made history by winning three gold medals in track and field, becoming the first American woman to achieve such an accomplishment in a single Olympics.
She inspired generations of female athletes, especially black women, proving that barriers could be broken with perseverance and talent. Her legacy goes beyond sport, as she used her platform to advocate for civil rights and equality.
“I think Wilma Rudolph is an example to follow. Rudolph’s perseverance is truly inspiring. She overcame many things, from illness to racial barriers, and still became an Olympic champion.” says Mackenzie.
She continues “What I admire most is that she didn’t just be a great athlete, she used her success to fight for civil rights and equality. That’s the kind of impact I hope more athletes have today.”
Another notable woman who made history in business and entrepreneurship is Madam C.J. Walker (1867-1919). Born Sarah Breedlove, Walker was America’s first self-made female millionaire. The daughter of slaves, she built a cosmetics and hair care empire for black women.
After suffering from hair loss, she developed a line of specialized hair products that revolutionized the beauty industry. Through her company, she provided economic opportunities for thousands of black women by employing them as sales agents and beauty specialists.
Beyond her business success, Walker was a dedicated philanthropist and activist, using her fortune to support educational institutions and black civil rights organizations.
Her legacy continues today, inspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders around the world. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation and determination to improve one’s community.
Women like Rosalind Franklin, Madam C.J Walker and Wilma Rudolph opened doors for future women to walk through, but their labors were suppressed for too many years.
Through telling their tales and recognizing their value, we ensure that these incredible women will not be forgotten. Their history inspires us to keep fighting for equality, not just in the books, but in life.
