Lessons From a Few of History’s Most Influential Female Leaders

History is full of great women leaders. A leader is someone who has the ability to reach others and guide them through thick and thin. They’re individuals who have walked or are currently walking the path on which they aim to lead. A leader motivates, inspires, and pushes people past their limits in order to affect change.

In the world, and in and out of the work place, women have proven to show strength, passion, and belief for what they do. Here is a look at three inspiring women who stood for their beliefs and were known as successful leaders.

Rosa Parks (1913 – 2005)
Rosa Parks was an African-American civil rights activist who is also known as “the mother of the freedom movement.” At a time when society was segregated and African-Americans were looked down upon, Mrs. Parks decided to take a stand for what she believed was fair. Tired after a long day’s work, on Dec. 1, 1955, Mrs. Parks was ordered to move from her seat and relocate in order to provide a white person with a place to sit, however, Mrs. Parks refused to move and was arrested.

While she wasn’t the first woman to take such a stand, she sparked what is known as the “Montgomery bus boycott,” which lasted for 381 days and was a significant symbol of the modern Civil Rights Movement. Parks became an international figure of struggle and racial discrimination. While African-Americans had to find other ways of getting to and from work, the financial damage inflicted on the bus company was steep. Finally, on Dec. 21, 1956, Montgomery’s public transportation system was legally integrated.

Parks received national recognition on several occasions including earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. It took commitment and sacrifice for Rosa Parks to stand up for her beliefs which not only benefitted her, but her entire community as well. As a leader or manager in the office, you may be responsible for your entire team, and possibly a whole department. As Rosa Parks said, “Each person must live their life as a model for others.” Mrs. Parks stood up for her beliefs; should the situation arise, you should stand for yours. 

Helen Keller (1880 – 1968)
As a result of the widely known movie The Miracle Worker, Helen Keller’s story is quite famous. Growing up as a deaf and blind child, Keller felt completely isolated until her teacher, Anne Sullivan, found a way to motivate her to learn and push past her hardships. Keller was the first person who was deaf and blind to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree. And besides being a staunch advocator for people with disabilities, she grew up to be an American author, political activist, and lecturer.

Among her many accomplishments, Keller founded the Helen Keller International organization in 1915, an organization that focuses on research in vision, health, and nutrition. In addition, she helped found the American Civil Liberties Union in 1920, and in 1971, just a few years after her passing, Keller was inducted into the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame.

Despite the disabilities and struggles that Keller faced throughout her life, she managed to persevere, serving as an inspirational leader to many. As Keller once said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
There is nothing you can’t accomplish with a good team, hard work, and dedication. So if you ever feel like your team is stuck, don’t be afraid to give them that extra push from time-to-time. When one has the will to excel, there is always a way.

Queen Rania (1970 – present)
Rania Al Abdullah, otherwise known as Queen Rania, is one of the Middle East’s most progressive women leaders. Wife to King Abdullah II of Jordan, Queen Rania advocates for a variety of causes, both locally and globally, with education being at the forefront of it all. Her work concentrates on improving the standards of education for Jordanian children as well as supporting global education and working with world leaders on setting, and reaching certain standards.

Recognizing her commitment to children and youth, in November of 2000, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) invited Queen Rania to join its Global Leadership Initiative, which is an effort that brings together world leaders in a global movement focusing on improving the welfare of children. Besides education, Queen Rania has put a lot of effort into promoting the importance of cross cultural and interfaith discussions in an attempt to nurture a better understanding of tolerance and acceptance across the world, most importantly correcting the misconceptions in the West about the Arab world. 

All in all, Queen Rania places a huge emphasis on education, communication, and correcting misconceptions. She has been a role model for many women and children around the world. Apply her lessons at work and observe how they might affect others. As a leader make it a point to constantly communicate with your employees and educate them about the company, their duties, and upcoming projects and assignments. Emphasizing education is an excellent way to help your employees grow within your business. After all, investing in your employees is an investment in your company. Listen to their needs and encourage communication among each other, emphasizing the importance of tolerance and acceptance.

Leadership
Just like Rosa Parks, Helen Keller, Queen Rania, and countless other women in the past and present, being a strong leader requires a deep commitment and curiosity for moving forward. A leader is outspoken, determined, and does not fear failure. As Queen Rania said, “People do things differently, and that’s OK! Learn from those who walked the road before you, but carve your own path. So be different, explore the twists and turns on your way, and don’t fear the occasional fall – it is part of every journey.”

3 Responses to Lessons From a Few of History’s Most Influential Female Leaders

  1. Tony Adams November 4, 2012 at 6:38 pm #

    What a fabulous post, thanks so much for sharing!

    I am in Australia and we are lucky enough to have Sekai Holland visiting at present – what a wonderful example of grace, dignity, intellect, determination…an extraordinary woman and an extraordinary story.

    All the very best, Tony

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