International Women’s Day 2025: 5 women who changed the world for the better

Today, March 8 marks International Women's Day, a global celebration of women's achievements and their vital role in shaping human society. Throughout history, women have been at the forefront of progress, breaking barriers in science, technology, social justice, and humanitarian work and their contributions have paved the way for a more equitable world, inspiring generations to come.

In light of this, here are five extraordinary women whose impact continues to resonate:

Marie Curie: Pioneer of Radioactivity

Marie Curie, born in 1867, was a Polish-born physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. The first woman to win a Nobel Prize, she also remains the only person to have won Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields—Physics and Chemistry. 

Curie's discovery of polonium and radium significantly advanced our understanding of radioactivity, leading to groundbreaking developments in medical treatments and atomic science.

Despite facing significant gender-based discrimination, she established her own research institute and mentored numerous scientists, many of whom were women, thereby fostering a legacy of scientific excellence.

Mother Teresa: A Symbol of Compassion

Mother Teresa, born Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in 1910, was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary known for her unwavering commitment to the poor and sick.

In 1950, she founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, a congregation dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor.

Her selfless work garnered international acclaim, earning her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, with her legacy continuing through the ongoing humanitarian efforts of the Missionaries of Charity, embodying compassion and service to humanity.

Ada Lovelace: The First Computer Programmer

Ada Lovelace, born in 1815, was an English mathematician recognized for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. Often hailed as the world's first computer programmer due to her creation of an algorithm intended for processing by a machine, she also envisioned applications for computers in art and music, predicting their potential to transcend numerical calculations.

A visionary, her ideas eventually laid the foundation for modern computing, influencing generations of computer scientists.

Rosa Parks: Catalyst of the Civil Rights Movement

Rosa Parks, born in 1913, became an iconic figure in the American Civil Rights Movement when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus in 1955. 

This act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event that brought national attention to racial segregation and injustice. Parks' courage and steadfastness earned her the title ‘Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,’ and her legacy continues to inspire activism against racial discrimination.

Florence Nightingale: Founder of Modern Nursing

Florence Nightingale, born in 1820, was a social reformer and the founder of modern nursing. During the Crimean War, she managed and trained nurses to care for wounded soldiers, and highlighted the critical need for sanitary medical practices.

Nightingale's emphasis on hygiene and patient care revolutionized hospital administration and established nursing as a respected profession.

In all, these five women, through their courage, innovation, and dedication, have left an indelible mark on history. However, they are just a handful among thousands of women whose stories serve as reminders of the profound impact women have in shaping modern society.