Throughout history, women have faced unimaginable challenges in their quest for equality, power, and opportunity. Yet, time and again, they have defied societal expectations, breaking barriers and shattering ceilings in ways that continue to inspire us today. From the suffragists who fought for women’s right to vote to modern-day leaders in business, politics, and science, women have owned history by fighting for their space in the world. So, what can we learn from these trailblazing women? Let’s look at some important lessons that can help us navigate our own lives, careers, and ambitions.
Be Relentless in Your Pursuit of Change
One of the most defining traits of women who made history is their relentless determination to make the world a better place—no matter how steep the climb. Take Rosa Parks, for example. While Parks is often remembered for her single act of defiance on a Montgomery bus, her actions were the culmination of years of quiet activism and resistance against racial segregation. Parks wasn’t just sitting on that bus because she was tired—she was tired of years of injustice and was ready to stand up for what was right.
This teaches us a critical lesson: the road to breaking ceilings is rarely straight or smooth. It takes years of persistence, resilience, and quiet work to build the foundation for major shifts. In our own lives, we can apply this mindset, knowing that sometimes the most meaningful change comes from consistency rather than dramatic moments. Whether it’s working towards a promotion, pushing for policy changes in your community, or making your voice heard in a meeting, don’t underestimate the power of consistent effort.
History has shown that women who get things done are those who remain steadfast in their goals, even when the odds are stacked against them. If you face a challenge, don’t be discouraged by the time it might take or the hurdles in your way. Think about the legacies of women like Harriet Tubman, who made 19 dangerous trips to the South to rescue enslaved people. Every inch of progress you make is a step toward change, even if it feels slow.
Build Your Support Network and Lift Others
Another common trait among women who’ve broken barriers is the power of solidarity. Many women throughout history understood that to go further, they needed to build alliances—not only with other women but with allies who shared their vision for change. Take Claudette Colvin, who, at the age of 15, was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, months before Rosa Parks. Though her story was largely overshadowed, Colvin’s bravery was crucial in catalyzing the bus boycott that followed. In a way, she was part of a larger collective movement, one that was sustained by the work of countless women working together for a common cause.
The lesson here is clear: while individual acts of courage are vital, lasting change often happens when we support and lift one another. In our professional and personal lives, we must foster relationships that encourage growth and elevate the voices of others. Being part of a community of women who support one another is one of the most powerful ways to break ceilings and achieve shared success.
Mentorship plays a big role in this as well. Whether you’re a young professional or an established leader, find ways to mentor or be mentored. Some of history’s most significant achievements were made possible because women learned from and pushed each other forward. Eleanor Roosevelt was not only a former First Lady but also an advocate for women’s rights. She surrounded herself with other strong women like Mary McLeod Bethune and Dolores Huerta, who were instrumental in fighting for civil rights and labor rights. Together, they forged a path that changed the trajectory of American history.
Building a solid network doesn’t mean you have to agree on everything, but it does mean that you recognize the value of collaboration. No one becomes a game-changer in isolation, and if history has taught us anything, it’s that when women work together, powerful things happen.
Own Your Story and Celebrate Your Wins
Lastly, one of the most important lessons we can learn from the women who have shaped history is the power of owning their own narrative. Often, society tries to reduce women’s achievements, questioning their worth or erasing their contributions from the mainstream story. Frida Kahlo is a perfect example of how women have had to fight to tell their stories on their own terms. Kahlo’s work, known for its vibrant portrayal of pain, strength, and identity, was often dismissed during her lifetime as “folk art,” only for her to be fully recognized as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century posthumously.
Kahlo didn’t just create art—she created a movement that spoke to personal identity, resilience, and embracing imperfection. By owning her story, she redefined what it meant to be a woman, an artist, and a survivor. Her life and work show us the importance of embracing our uniqueness, owning our journeys, and celebrating the victories—big or small—that we achieve along the way.
In our own lives, it’s easy to downplay our successes or chalk them up to luck, but women like Marie Curie—the first woman to win a Nobel Prize—showed us that owning your success is crucial. Curie, despite facing discrimination as a female scientist in a male-dominated field, never hid her achievements. She spoke proudly of her discoveries and, in doing so, cleared a path for future generations of women in science.
So, when you achieve something—whether it’s a personal victory or a professional milestone—own it. Celebrate your journey and take pride in your achievements. Don’t let anyone minimize your impact, just as the women throughout history didn’t allow others to define their worth.