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International Women's Day 2023 marks an important milestone for female pioneers in travel, as women continue to break down barriers and make strides toward gender equality. This year is all about celebrating the achievements of these brave, daring, and inspiring ladies who have had a major impact on the world of travel. From adventurers to entrepreneurs, we are honouring a range of women who have made it possible for more people than ever before to explore the world around them.
The stories they tell are powerful reminders that when we come together with determination and courage anything is possible! As we celebrate International Women’s Day this year let us also recognize their strength and perseverance in paving the way for others to follow in their footsteps. Here’s to a future where everyone can experience freedom through exploration without fear or discrimination!
Amelia Earhart
The first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean
Amelia Earhart was an adventurer who changed the way women were seen in travel and aviation. In 1932, she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean - a feat which garnered her worldwide fame. Earhart was a visionary, paving the way for future female trailblazers and inspiring generations of young women to take to the skies. For this reason, she will continuously be remembered as a brave figurehead who defied conventions and showed just how powerful women can be in any area.
Bessie Coleman
The first African American woman to earn a pilot's licence
Bessie Coleman was an incredible inspiration to the travel industry. Born in Atlanta, Texas on January 26, 1892, she became the first African American woman and the first Native American of either gender to earn a pilot's licence in 1921. Though she faced many obstacles, such as being denied admittance to flying schools in the United States due to her race and gender, this didn’t stop her from achieving her dream. She enlisted the help of Robert Abbott - a prominent newspaper publisher who raised funds for Coleman to study in France so that she could get her licence - and after much hard work and determination, Coleman acquired it. Her spirit and ambition inspired generations of women pilots that followed.
Isabella Bird
The first woman to join the Royal Geographical Society
Isabella Bird was a true pioneer for women everywhere when she became the first woman to enter the Royal Geographical Society in 1891 for her contributions to travel literature. Despite chronic illness, insomnia and a spinal tumour, the globetrotter from Yorkshire, England, travelled all around the world, from India and Japan to the Rocky Mountains of North America. Everyone in her era was astonished by the level of courage and bravery she displayed - especially since many of her travels were done alone!
Annie Londonderry
The first woman to bicycle around the world
The world of travel has long owed thanks to a woman whose spirit of adventure and ambition pushed boundaries: Annie Londonderry. On June 25th, 1894, this fearless Latvian-born immigrant completed her courageous mission to become the first female globetrotter by bicycle - cycling nearly 15,000 miles around the world in an astonishing feat that took fifteen months. Celebrating International Women's Day is a brilliant opportunity to pay homage to Anna Kopchovsky, who later adopted the name Annie Londonderry out of admiration for London and all she would see on her journey. With every tire turn, Miss Londonderry broke persistent stereotypes regarding women's capability for endurance and courage, inspiring more generations of female adventurers to come.
Mary Kingsley
The first European woman to travel to Africa
Mary Kingsley is an amazing pioneer that helped shape travel for women throughout the world. Born in 1862, she was the first European woman to fearlessly venture and explore Africa. Despite the dangers and everyday hardships, she faced during her travels, such as sleeping in trees to avoid animals and being kidnapped by Portuguese traders, she wouldn't take no for answer. She didn't let her gender get in her way and was inspired and fascinated by African cultures which she documented extensively through writing, photography and more!
Nellie Bly
The first journalist around the world in less than 80 days
Nellie Bly, a fearless journalist, was the first person to complete a round-the-world journey in less than 80 days. This remarkable feat was achieved back in 1889 and stands as an enduring symbol of her resilience and courage. She tested the boundaries of what is possible when it comes to international travel and inspired women all around the world to break through obstacles which were considered untouchable before her epic voyage. Her story reminds us that with passion and determination, anything is achievable!
International Women's Day 2023 is a special occasion to recognize and honour female pioneers in travel. From Amelia Earhart's monumental flight solo across the Atlantic Ocean; to Annie Londonderry's incredible journey around the world by bicycle; the tenacity of these extraordinary pioneers should never be taken for granted. After all, we owe it to them for paving the way for the generations of female adventurers who followed in their paths. We should celebrate and cherish our female ancestors’ impressive contributions to society, especially those that inspired us to look further and move beyond what was previously thought impossible.
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