Seven Influential Women Who Made a Difference in the World

Tuesday, March 8 is International Women's Day. It is the day when women worldwide take centre stage. These seven women have earned their place among the influential figures in history through their exceptional achievements and commitment.

It is on Tuesday, March 8 International Women's Day. It is the day where women worldwide are in the spotlight. With their exceptional achievements and commitment, these seven women deserve a place in the list of influential women in history who made a difference. Text: Patrick Stoffer
Image: Getty Images

Aletta Jacobs

Aletta Jacobs (1854 – 1929) was the first university student to successfully complete her studies. Although the first university student in the Netherlands started her studies two centuries earlier, Anna Maria van Schurman, Jacobs was the first female student to complete a university degree. She then enjoyed fame as the first female official doctor in the Netherlands. But her life included much more. Among other things, she fought for women's suffrage, and in 1919 the women's suffrage bill that she devised was passed. From 1922 onwards, women were actually allowed to vote. She also became the figurehead of the first feminist wave.Embed from Getty Images