“The list reveals Britain’s desire to recognise the achievements of a few women of colour”

A Polish-French scientist closely followed by an African-American activist are at the top of this list. Marie Skłodowska Curie and Rosa Parks were worlds apart as far as class and race were concerned. However, these two women’s stories bear an interesting resemblance.

Education changed their trajectories as 20th-century women in societies dominated by men. They both fought against prejudice and successfully carved out their places as committed educators.

The poll also shows that the top 10 women on the list were brave and kind. They all contributed to the rise of other women around them and inspired generations of young girls. Overall, this year’s list reveals Britain’s desire to recognise the achievements of a few women of colour.

Finally, in this era where the dangers of climate change and environmental disasters have been widely recognised, one would have expected to see outstanding Kenyan environmental activist and Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai make it into the top 10.

Olivette Otele is surprised that “in this era where the dangers of climate change and environmental disasters have been recognised”, Kenyan environmental activist Wangari Maathai, pictured here in 2005, didn't make the top 10

Olivette Otele is reader in history at Bath Spa University, specialising in the British and French empires and their legacies