Today we celebrate the past, the present and future Women of America. Women have shaped the course of history with their strength, intelligence, passion, and leadership qualities. Women have challenged the status quo, made lasting reforms, and some have presided over their countries for decades, ushering in prosperity and cultural revolutions.
Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013) was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990. She was the first woman to hold this office, and the longest-serving British Prime Minister of the 20th century. Margaret Thatcher was dubbed the “Iron Lady" by the Soviets for her hardheadedness.
Emmeline Pankhurst (1858-1928). In 1903, she founded the Women’s Social and Political Union to campaign for the parliamentary vote for women in Edwardian Britain, ‘Deeds, not words’ being its motto. She roused thousands of women to demand, rather than ask politely, for their democratic right in a mass movement that has been unparalleled in British history.
Marie Curie (1867-1934) changed the world not once but twice. She founded the new science of radioactivity and also invented the word. Her discoveries launched effective cures for cancer.
Queen Victoria (1819-1901) was the Queen of the United Kingdom, ruling over a vast British Empire that stretched across six continents for 63 years. Under her rule, slavery was abolished and voting rights granted to most British men.
Elizabeth I (1533-1603) one of most powerful English monarchs ever. She never married and was called the “Virgin Queen," that defeated the Spanish Armada. She reigned from 1558 until 1603 and she encouraged major cultural changes like the Renaissance and the transformation of England into a Protestant country.
Joan of Arc (1412-1431) was a French heroine and a saint to Roman Catholics. She claimed to have mystical visions and rallied French troops to defeat the English in the Battle of Orleans among others. 
Empress Wu Zetian (624-705) was the only female Emperor in Chinese history, living during the Tang Dynasty. During her rule she expanded the Chinese empire, economic prosperity, and education reform. She was also known as a patron of Buddhism. 
To the Women of the future, keep moving forward, and let no one stand in your way.
Peace, Love & Tea
