“God gave women intuition and femininity. Used properly, the combination easily jumbles the brain of any man I’ve ever met.” ~Farrah Fawcett

International Women’s Day is Sunday, March 8. This day is a reminder to all the women around the world of the extraordinary contributions we have made throughout history. It’s also a day to remind us of how much power women have. We have made huge strides to overcome inequality when it comes to wages, business and political opportunities, and even over our bodies.

So while we’re feeling empowered and unstoppable, let’s not forget some of the amazing women who brought us to this point. These 6 women have helped us achieve the level of freedom and opportunity we are at today, and we all owe them a debt of gratitude. Who knows what the world would be like without them!

Mother Teresa
Mother Theresa is known for her generosity and kindness. Her sole purpose in life was to help others through love and kindness. She felt such a desire to help that when she started her first school she had no resources. Nevertheless, she made it happen and went on to help thousands of people throughout the world through her charitable acts.

Princess Diana
Princess Diana changed the way the world viewed the royal family. She made herself accessible and wanted to use her status to help fund research for cancer, AIDs, and leprosy and aid those suffering as well. Princess Di was willing to help people that most others were ready to exile. Her contributions can still be felt since she has helped abolish the stigma around many causes.

Michelle Obama
Former First Lady Michelle Obama not only inspired American women but women all over the world. She showed that the first lady could have just as much influence as the president, and gave women a modern example of being a strong, sophisticated, and down-to-earth woman.

Kathryn Bigelow
Kathryn Bigelow was the first woman to win an Oscar for Best Director for her 2008 movie The Hurt Locker, although her impact on the film industry can be seen over the past 3 decades. She has helped show women that you can be more than just an actress or production assistant in the film industry. Women can also be storytellers and directors.

Oprah Winfrey
Oprah isn’t just an inspirational woman she is an inspirational human. Her story is truly one of rags to riches. She grew up in poverty and built herself up through hard work and dedication. Now, she is one of the most well-known people in the world and has created a media empire. In addition to her work as a journalist and media mogul, she has also founded 3 foundations and a school for girls in South Africa.

Marie Curie
Marie Curie helped show the world that women can be taken seriously as scientists. She was a revolutionary person and helped advance the research on radioactivity. Her research and achievements awarded her 2 Nobel Prizes, making her the first women to receive one and the only person to ever receive an award in 2 different scientific fields.

International Women’s Day may only be one day out of the year, but its purpose should remind you every day of the impact you can have as a woman. Let these women not only inspire you but guide you into the direction of making your own changes.