Women’s History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the countless women who have made an impact in the world. From trailblazers and activists to artists and scientists, women have been making their mark in every field imaginable for centuries. While many of these women were mothers, there are a special group of women who deserve recognition for their accomplishments as single moms. These legendary single moms defied societal norms and overcame enormous obstacles to achieve greatness. Let’s take a look at some of the most remarkable single moms in history.
- Mary Wollstonecraft – Mary Wollstonecraft was a philosopher and women’s rights activist. She is best known for her book, “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,” which argued for women’s equality and education. Wollstonecraft became a single mom after giving birth to her daughter, Fanny, out of wedlock. Despite the shame and stigma that came with being an unwed mother in the late 18th century, Wollstonecraft continued to fight for women’s rights until her untimely death at age 38.
- Margaret Thatcher – Margaret Thatcher was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century. Thatcher became a single mom after her husband, Denis, left her to pursue a career in business. Despite the challenges of raising two young children while also leading a country, Thatcher proved to be a formidable force, implementing conservative economic policies and playing a key role in ending the Cold War.
- Sarah Breedlove Walker – Sarah Breedlove Walker, also known as Madam C.J. Walker, was an entrepreneur and philanthropist. She was the first self-made female millionaire in the United States, building her fortune through her hair care company, which catered to the needs of black women. Walker became a single mom after her first husband died, leaving her with a young daughter. She persevered and built a successful business, becoming a trailblazer for women in entrepreneurship.
- Sandra Day O’Connor – Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. She became a single mom after her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and she had to care for him while also raising their three children. Despite the challenges of being a single mom and a working mother in the legal profession, O’Connor proved to be a brilliant jurist, known for her pragmatism and ability to build consensus.
- Mary Cassatt – Mary Cassatt was an Impressionist painter who is best known for her depictions of women and children. Cassatt became a single mom when she adopted her niece after her sister’s death. Despite the challenges of being a single mother and a female artist in a male-dominated field, Cassatt continued to paint and exhibit her work, becoming one of the most respected artists of her time.
- Sojourner Truth – Sojourner Truth was an African American abolitionist and women’s rights activist. She was born into slavery and escaped with her infant daughter in 1826. As a single mom, she worked tirelessly for the abolition of slavery and for women’s rights, delivering her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech in 1851.
- Marie Curie – Marie Curie was a physicist and chemist who made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of radioactivity. She was also a single mom to her two daughters, Irene and Eve, after her husband Pierre died in a tragic accident. Despite the challenges of being a single mom in the early 20th century, Marie Curie continued her scientific work and won two Nobel Prizes for her discoveries.
- Harriet Tubman – Harriet Tubman was an abolitionist who helped lead hundreds of enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. She was also a single mom, raising her own child while helping others escape to freedom.
These legendary single moms serve as an inspiration to us all. They prove that motherhood does not have to be a hindrance to achieving greatness, and that women are capable of anything they set their minds to. This Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate the many accomplishments of these remarkable women, and remember the countless others who have made their mark on history as single moms.
