Throughout history, women have played a crucial role in advocating for gender equality and combating domestic violence and gender-based violence (GBV). The courage, resilience, and determination of countless women have paved the way for legislative change, societal shifts, and improved resources for survivors. Here, we highlight twelve extraordinary women who have left an indelible mark in this fight.
1. Abigail Adams (1744–1818)
As the wife of John Adams, Abigail Adams was a vocal advocate for women’s rights during the formation of the United States. In her famous letter to her husband in 1776, she urged him to “remember the ladies” and warned that women would revolt if left without representation. Though women’s rights were largely overlooked at the time, her words foreshadowed the suffrage and equality movements that followed.
2. Sojourner Truth (1797–1883)
A former enslaved woman turned activist, Sojourner Truth became a powerful voice for both the abolitionist movement and women’s rights. Her famous speech, Ain’t I a Woman?, delivered in 1851, challenged racial and gender inequality, advocating for the rights of Black women who faced oppression on multiple fronts.
3. Martha McWhirter (1827–1900)
Martha McWhirter founded the Woman’s Commonwealth, a self-sustaining, women-led community in the late 19th century that provided women an escape from abusive marriages and patriarchal oppression. Her efforts offered a safe space for women seeking independence, setting an early example of a domestic violence refuge.
4. Ida B. Wells (1862–1931)
A fearless journalist and activist, Ida B. Wells exposed racial and gender injustices, particularly the lynching of Black men. As a co-founder of the NAACP, she advocated for legal and social reforms to protect Black women from racialized sexual violence and discrimination.
5. Mari Sandoz (1896–1966)
Mari Sandoz, a historian and writer, chronicled the struggles of women in the American frontier. Her works shed light on the abuses faced by Indigenous women and other marginalized groups, raising awareness of gender-based violence in historical contexts.
6. Del Martin (1921–2008)
Del Martin was a pioneering LGBTQ+ and women’s rights activist. In 1976, she co-founded the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) and authored Battered Wives, one of the first books to expose the realities of domestic violence and advocate for legal protections for survivors.
7. Ellen Pence (1948–2012)
Ellen Pence co-founded the Duluth Model, a groundbreaking approach to addressing domestic violence through coordinated community response and intervention programs. This model has since been adopted worldwide as a gold standard for combating intimate partner violence.
10. Dr. Lenore Walker (b. 1942)
A psychologist and researcher, Dr. Lenore Walker developed the concept of the “battered woman syndrome,” helping courts and society better understand the psychological effects of domestic abuse. Her research has been instrumental in advocating for trauma-informed approaches in legal cases involving survivors.
9. Diane Stuart (b. 1943)
A victim advocate specialist and leader in policy development, Diane Stuart served as the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women at the U.S. Department of Justice. Her work contributed to the enforcement of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), improving legal protections and resources for survivors.
8. Tracey Motuzick (formerly Tracey Thurman) (b. 1961)
Tracey Motuzick survived a brutal attack by her abusive husband in 1983, which led to the landmark case Thurman v. City of Torrington. Her case resulted in major reforms in how law enforcement handles domestic violence cases, leading to mandatory arrest policies for abusers.
11. Tarana Burke (b. 1973)
The founder of the #MeToo movement, Tarana Burke has been a leading voice in exposing sexual violence and advocating for survivor justice. Her work has empowered millions of survivors to speak out, forcing institutions to address systemic sexual harassment and abuse.
12. Beverly Gooden (b. 1981)
Beverly Gooden launched the #WhyIStayed movement, a viral social media campaign that challenged misconceptions about domestic violence and illuminated the barriers preventing survivors from leaving abusive relationships. Her advocacy continues to reshape conversations about domestic violence awareness.
These twelve women, spanning different eras and backgrounds, have each contributed to the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence. Their legacies serve as a reminder that advocacy, resilience, and activism can drive meaningful change. As we continue to build on their work, their courage and commitment remain an inspiration for future generations. Equally important are the countless unnamed and unsung women who have fought in their communities, homes, and workplaces to advance gender equality and support survivors. Their efforts, though often unrecognized, have been instrumental in shaping a more just and equitable world.