A few notable famous feminists that have been turning the tidal wave include Betty Friedan who shook male bastions in 1964, Gloria Steinman, Virginia Woolf, Harreit Tubman and Germiane, Greer. Every notable feminist has revolutionized the way men perceive women. Had it not been for their single-mindedness, the equations would have remained stark. Early on when the women started to stand up for their rights, they may not have imagined that in future where the gender revolution would lead them. To its credit, the western society started accepting women and their viewpoint. The fact that women were able to initiate divorces is remarkable as still there are societies today that do not allow their women this much freedom! They are made to suffer as men take on more wives and split their affections and properties. While earlier strong women have been labeled as super witches, today they are referred to as superwomen. Right from the 18th century women in western society have fought against oppression and sexual abuse. The earliest notable feminist in historical records is Emmeline Pankhurst. She formed the Women’s Social and Political Union. Many women during this time under her cause went on hunger strikes in complete solidarity. Another notable feminist of the 19th century was Emma Goldman. Along with her other women also made their marks with the likes of Dame Ethyl Mary Smyth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Margaret Sanger. Towards the turn of the 20th century the issues of feminisms changed. From oppression, an issue, which was taken care of, other, related issues were being tackled. The women now wanted right of birth control, use of pills, abortions and equal wages and position at work. In keeping the torch of women’s rights alive another notable feminist Catharine Mackinnon came into the picture in the 80s’. She took on the authorities to make pornography and women as sexual objects a violation to civil rights. She has another notable feminist Andrea Dworkin for company to fight with her.


As society continues to change values, the interpretation of modern feminism has also changed. In the 1990s women activists were fighting for their gender with different issues. As women were turning against men due to sexual abuse, they found themselves in relationships with their own ilk. With the result many gay and lesbian societies have come up especially in western societies. These women too need their freedom of expression and place in society. The new breeds of famous feminists are advocating causes of lesbians for a respectable position in all walks of life. Radical feminists still continue to wrestle issues of rape and girl child abuse. Elsewhere in the world, for instant the Islamic countries, women are recognizing the need to assert them selves in relationships. As communications improve, women in extreme orthodox societies like in Africa are trying to bring a change in their status with their own brand of moderate feminism. If not anything else, famous feminists have at least given a fair chance and ray of hope to poor women.