Missing voices
Making progress, but still a long way to travel… Janina Ramirez welcomes our poll and the arguments it will inspire, but says much more needs to be done to put the lives and achievements of all kinds of women at the heart of historical studies
History has a telescopic effect, whereby events or individuals nearest us take our focus more than globally or temporally distant issues. This is reflected in the results of this poll. There are signs of a broader view creeping in, internationally and chronologically. But the majority of women listed are from the last century, and the focus is on European achievements.
That this poll has taken place at all is important when considering the representation of women in historical studies more broadly. ‘Women Studies’ has been a separate sub-branch of all disciplines, with inroads by outstanding individuals into the mainstream canon a rarity. That many important women are not included in this list shows how much more work is still to be done. But it also recognises how broad their contributions in many fields have been, and the inclusion of these individuals into education from primary level up will breathe new life into stagnant narratives.
Marie Curie deservedly secured the top spot. With Polish roots myself, to see a woman of mixed cultural heritage recognised for her pioneering work in a history poll is heartening. She remains an inspiration to men and women, working within the sciences and beyond, more than 80 years after her death.
A surprising, yet interesting, result is the second place listing for Rosa Parks. My children studied her recently as a salient figure in black history, and to me this very high position within the poll reflects how previously neglected parts of international narratives, particularly with regards to slavery and oppression, are being disseminated more widely. It inspires hope that difficult issues of racial discrimination are being addressed through education.
But there are notable individuals missing. To give just three examples, why no Æthelflæd, Queen Bertha or Saint Hilda? Indeed, the medieval period fares poorly. Eleanor of Aquitaine and Joan of Arc take relatively high positions, but I would like to see more exposure for medieval women whose lives and works also had a significant impact on British history.
International women are pushed far down the list, but thankfully represented. Individuals from the Far and Middle East, India and Africa do not rank as highly as Europeans and Americans, which suggests global history needs to be taught more broadly, especially since the impacts of the digital revolution have helped to open up international narratives.
There is still a social bias in this list, with the majority of pre-1900 women being royalty or nobility. The fact that history can still be seen as the preserve of the rich and powerful is telling, and needs countering with more exposure to the work of social historians.
Artists and writers take lower rankings than scientists and engineers. The first painter listed is Frida Kahlo at number 34, which perhaps indicates some disciplines are better at celebrating female contributions than others. Or perhaps it reflects deeper prejudices that women succeeding in traditionally male spheres should command more attention?
I am surprised to see Margaret Thatcher listed so high (sixth place), but recognise that, as a female head of state in a male-dominated environment, her position in a UK-based poll is significant. The listing of the Virgin Mary some six places below her is perhaps a sign of the diminishing role of the Christian church within British ideologies.
With the celebration of 100 years of suffrage it is unsurprising that so many women connected with this anniversary should be celebrated. Historical studies often draw attention to issues or individuals that are associated with particular dates, but I would like to see this focus on the rights of women extend beyond this anniversary year.
The time is right for a new, inclusive and proactive approach to the roles of women: in the past, present and future. A poll such as this is not the whole answer, but it is a chance to open up fresh debates. Janina Ramirez is a historian, broadcaster and author. Her most recent work is the children's fiction book Riddle of the Runes (OUP, 2018)
A focus on the rights of women needs to extend past this suffrage anniversary year