Here at Honest History, we're always on the lookout for inspiring tales of adventure and there's no shortage of female adventurers! To celebrate Women’s History Month, we're highlighting fearless women from around the globe. You can find their full stories in our kids magazine. From courageous spies to powerful queens, these women have made a lasting mark on history.
Nakano Takeko
In history, there are plenty of female warriors to chose from, and Nakano Takeko is at top of our list. During the age of the samurai, Nakano led an army of over 20 women to protect the Aiz-Wakamatsu Castle in Japan. Her weapon of choice: the deadly naginata. This long pole had a curved blade at the end and took great skill to master. Nakano’s story is an important glimpse into the life of women warriors, the Japanese Civil War, and the final years of the samurai. Find her full story in Issue 16 | The Way of the Samurai.
Harriet Tubman
It’s hard to find someone in history who can outmatch Harriet Tubman in bravery and perseverance. She famously risked her life to lead enslaved people to freedom on the Underground Railroad. Here's a lesser-known fact: she was a Union spy during the Civil War. Earning enslaved peoples’ trust, she gathered vital intelligence to help the Union Army. With this knowledge, she led the charge to rescue more than 750 enslaved workers in South Carolina. To learn more, check out Issue 6 | A Secret Mission and our podcast episode Harriet Tubman’s Secret Mission.
Zitkála-Šá
Zitkála-Šá fought tirelessly for the protection of Indigenous culture and tribal identity. Born in South Dakota, she was a member of the Yankton Dakota Sioux Nation. As a young girl, she attended a residential school where she was forced to cut her hair and speak only English. This experience had a profound impact on her relationship with her tribal identity. Zitkála-Šá later used her education to advocate for American Indian rights and speak out against the boarding school system. A prolific writer, editor, musician, and educator, she famously wrote the first American Indian opera called The Sun Dance Opera. You can learn about her and other trail-blazing women in Issue 15 | A Native Story.
Nur Jahan
This ruler earned the nickname “tiger-slayer” and was one of the most powerful Mughal queens in history. Born in modern-day Afghanistan to Persian parents, Nur Jahan later moved to India to join the Mughal court. She quickly rose through the ranks and married Emperor Jahangir. As queen, she led tiger hunts, negotiated business deals, and oversaw the construction of palaces and gardens. Forced into exile by an envious stepson, she spent her final years in Lahore with her daughter. There she aided the poor to leave behind an unforgettable legacy. Find her whole story in Issue 10 | A Portrait of India.
Yennenga
This African princess is remembered as the mother of the Mossi people of Burkina Faso. Born during the 12th century, Yennenga was the princess of Dagomba, the royal kingdom in the city of Gambaga. A trained warrior, she was praised for her ability to wield spears and hand-bows while riding her horse. As the legend goes, she was so loved by her father that he refused to let her marry. But Yennenga dreamed of becoming a mother and starting her own family. One night, she escaped on her stallion to embark on a dangerous adventure. After many years, she would finally return home with a family of her own. Read her full story in Issue 13 | The Golden Rule.
Rachel Carson
This famous marine biologist uncovered a dark truth about a chemical called DDT. During World War II, DDT was used to kill insects to stop the spread of diseases like malaria and typhus. Soon this pesticide was sprayed everywhere—from kitchen cabinets to kids’ playgrounds. Carson observed that DDT was killing the wildlife and worried about people's safety. Famous for her books about the sea, Carson was already a household name when she decided to take on the powerful chemical companies. Today, her book Silent Spring is credited with starting the environmental movement. Learn more about her life as an author in Issue 7 | Into the Deep and our podcast episode A Love of the Sea: Rachel Carson.
Looking for stories about women in history? Our magazine is filled with tales of female adventurers—you can subscribe here! Choose from our annual and quarterly plans today. And don't forget to check out our podcast Anytime Now. Kids can learn about inspiring women through the sounds and stories of the past.