In the annals of feminist history, the narratives of women of colour often remain overshadowed by eurocentric figures. Yet, their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the course of feminist thought and activism. In this exploration, we delve into the lives and legacies of ten remarkable women of colour whose voices have been overlooked, but whose impact reverberates through generations. From revolutionary suffragettes to tireless advocates for intersectional feminism, these unsung heroines defied societal constraints and fought for gender equality amidst the intersecting oppressions of race, class, and gender. By shedding light on their stories, we not only honour their resilience and courage but also acknowledge the intricate nuances of feminist history, enriched by the diverse voices and experiences of women of colour. 

Anna Julia Cooper (USA):

Involved in the suffrage movement and advocate for the rights of African American women. Notably penned "A Voice from the South," a seminal work on black feminism. Forgotten due to intersectional discrimination, her work laid the groundwork for intersectional feminism.

Sarojini Naidu (India):

Key figure in the Indian independence movement and women's rights activist. Instrumental in organising the All India Women's Conference. Overlooked and overshadowed by male leaders, she paved the way for Indian women's participation in politics.

Yuri Kochiyama (USA):

Active in the Civil Rights Movement and advocate for Japanese American rights. Played a crucial role in securing reparations for Japanese American internees. Often forgotten due to her association with controversial figures, her activism inspired solidarity across racial and ethnic lines.

Sylvia Rivera (USA):

Leader in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and advocate for transgender rights. Co-founder of the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance. Forgotten due to transphobia within mainstream feminist movements, her advocacy paved the way for transgender inclusion in feminist discourse.

Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim (Sudan):

Pioneer of women's rights in Sudan and leader in the Sudanese Communist Party. Instrumental in establishing the Sudanese Women's Union. Overlooked due to political repression and patriarchal structures, her activism challenged gender norms in Sudanese society.

Chien-Shiung Wu (China/USA):

Prominent physicist and advocate for gender equality in STEM fields. Known for her groundbreaking work on the Manhattan Project and the Beta Decay theory. Forgotten due to sexism in the scientific community, her contributions paved the way for women in physics.

Trina Robbins (USA):

Cartoonist and feminist historian, focused on highlighting women's contributions to comics. Co-founder of Wimmen's Comix, the first all-women comic book anthology. Overlooked due to the marginalisation of women in the comic industry, her work challenged gender stereotypes and celebrated women's agency.

Vandana Shiva (India):

Environmental activist and advocate for sustainable agriculture. Founder of Navdanya, a movement promoting seed sovereignty and biodiversity. Often marginalised due to corporate interests, her activism highlights the intersection of environmentalism and feminism.

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Nigeria):

Leading figure in Nigeria's anti-colonial struggle and advocate for women's rights. Instrumental in the fight against British colonial rule and for Nigerian women's suffrage. Forgotten due to political repression and patriarchal structures, her activism laid the groundwork for women's empowerment in Nigeria.

Dolores Huerta (a U.S. Citizen of mixed Spanish and Mexican ancestry):

Co-founder of the United Farm Workers union and advocate for farmworkers' rights. Instrumental in organising the Delano grape strike and the boycott of table grapes. Often overshadowed by Cesar Chavez, her leadership and activism transformed labour rights movements and inspired feminist solidarity.

The stories of these remarkable women of colour, their resilience, activism, and unwavering commitment to justice have left an indelible mark on movements for gender equality worldwide. As we celebrate their legacies, let us also acknowledge the systemic barriers and intersecting forms of oppression that have marginalised their contributions. By amplifying their voices and honouring their struggles, we honour the true spirit of feminism—inclusive, intersectional, and unwavering in its pursuit of equality for all. 

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References: 

USA Today | The Queen’s University Journal | Ms Magazine | The Representation Project

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