Womanica

Naomi James (1949-present) was the first woman to single-handedly sail around the world via the dangerous Cape Horn route. Her voyage broke Sir Francis Chichester's world record for fastest solo circumnavigation by just two days. 

For Further Reading:

• Fatigue at Sea: A Circumnavigator’s Story
• The woman who sailed solo around the world
• Unlikely Round‐the‐World Sailor Learned Haw on the Way
• Around the World in 272 Day...

Ama are Japanese female fisherwomen and free divers who plunge into the ocean without oxygen tanks, or other modern diving equipment. They dive for shellfish and seafood, particularly abalone. In recent years, their numbers have declined as climate change has taken its toll and the diving population has grown older. Today, they remind us of the importance of tradition and environmental stewardship.

For Further Reading: 

<...

Emma Kaʻilikapuolono Metcalf Beckley Nakuina (1847-1929) was a highly regarded authority on Hawaiian water rights law and unofficially considered Hawaii’s first female judge. Descended from an American sugar planter and a Hawaiian high chiefess, she was born a kaukau ali’i and educated in cultural customs and water rights from a young age. She was a curator of the Hawaiian National Museum, a Commissioner of Private Ways...

Tracy Edwards (1962 - Present), MBE skippered the first-ever all-female crew in the 1989/90 Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race. She is the first woman to receive the Yachtsman of the Year trophy and has created many sailing crews to battle gender prejudice on the ocean.

For Further Reading: 

• Tracy Edwards Website
• Girl Power Talk, Interview with Tracy Edwards
• The O...

Jeanne de Clisson (1300-1359) is known as the “Lioness of Brittany.” She was a 14th-century French/Breton noblewoman who turned to piracy in order to avenge her husband’s death. 

For Further Reading:

• Jeanne de Clisson - French Women & Feminists in History: A Resource Guide 
• Jeanne de Clisson, The Lioness of Brittany - The Hundred Years War 

Mary Jane Rathbun (1860-1943) was a marine zoologist who discovered thousands of species of crabs. Her work helped establish the basic taxonomy of crustaceans. 

For Further Reading

• Mary Jane Rathbun: Hail the Crustacean Queen!
• Mary Jane Rathbun American marine zoologist
• Mary Jane Rathbun Papers, 1886-1938 and undated

This month, we&rs...

Lagertha was a Viking shield-maiden who is said to have ruled in the 9th century AD in what is now Norway She was the first wife of Ragnar Lothbrok, King of the Vikings and a skilled warrior and sea commander. In one such instance, Ragnar sent to Norway for support in a battle he was losing, and Lagertha came to his aid with 120 ships playing a decisive role in the victory of this battle.

For Further Reading:

Lehua Kamalu (c. 1980-present) was the first woman in modern history to captain and navigate a voyaging canoe using the traditional Polynesian practice of wayfinding. Without maps or GPS, she navigated the Pacific Ocean using cues from the currents, the winds and the stars. 

For Further Reading:

• This woman navigated a 3,000-mile Pacific voyage without maps or technology
• Talk Story wit...

Radhika Menon is the first female captain in the Indian Merchant Navy. In 2016, she became the first woman to receive the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea following a successful rescue mission that saved the lives of seven fishermen. 

For Further Reading:

• BBC, Indian woman wins top bravery award
• IndiaTimes, The Life of Radhika Menon
• Times of India, Raise Voice
• ABB, At the Helm

This ...

Annie Edson Taylor (unknown –1921) was an American schoolteacher best known as the first person to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel. 

For Further Reading:

• Overlooked No More: Annie Edson Taylor, Who Tumbled Down Niagara Falls Into Fame - The New York Times’
• Annie Taylor: First Over Niagara Falls in a Barrel

This month, we’...

Molly Malone is one of the most famous cultural figures in Ireland and in Dublin city, her legend stemming from the 19th-century ballad “Cockles and Mussels.” Described as a beautiful young fishwife, Molly is said to have roamed the cobbled streets of Dublin by day, crying “cockles and mussels, alive, alive-o!”

For Further Reading: 

• Tourists’ groping of Irish statue prompts ‘Leave Molly...

Maria Klenova (1898-1976) was a Russian and Soviet marine geologist who, over her nearly 30-year-long career, researched polar regions, marine geology, and advanced the field of Russian marine science. She was the first woman scientist to conduct research in Antarctica.

For Further Reading: 

• The Legendary Maria Klenova
• The First Women in Antarctica
• Ten Pioneering Wo...

Sedna is known as the powerful Inuit sea goddess who rules over all marine animals. Hunters must honor and appease her to ensure a successful catch, as she controls the availability of seals, whales, and other sea creatures. She remains a central figure in Inuit spirituality, symbolizing the deep connection between humans, animals, and the sea.

For Further Reading: 

• The Legend of Sedna the Sea Goddess
<...

Ida Lewis (1842-1911) was an American lighthouse keeper for the Lime Rock Lighthouse, in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island. She was renowned for her swimming and rowing skills which she employed to save the lives of many civilians, most famously, the lives of two soldiers in 1869. 

For Further Reading: 

• Ida Lewis—Lighthouse Keeper, Lifesaver and “The Bravest Woman in America” 

Patti Smith (1946-present) is an American singer, songwriter, poet, author, and visual artist. A pivotal figure in the New York City punk rock scene, her 1975 debut album “Horses” fused rock with poetic intensity. Patti Smith is also the author of the acclaimed memoir “Just Kids” about her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and her early years as an artist.

For Further Reading:

Leonor Fini (1907-1996) was an Argentine-Italian surrealist painter, designer, illustrator, and author. She produced an extensive body of work including paintings, drawings, and set and costume design — often centered around depictions of powerful and erotic women. 

For Further Reading:

• Leonor Fini
• Leonor Fini | Argentinian, 1907-1996
• The Enduring Allure of Su...

Gluck (1895-1978) was a mid-century queer painter from London. She showcased in dozens of solo shows throughout her career, ranging in style, technique, and topic. She is most famous for her painting, Medallion, which is still considered one of the most important lesbian portraits.  

For Further Reading

• Gluck: A Forgotten Queer Artist of the 1920s
• Stunningly Modern Paintings by a...

Louise Lawrence (1912-1976) was a transgender activist, writer, artist, and educator. She built an international network of trans and gender non-conforming people, creating space for connection and mutual support. She also played a foundational role in launching Transvestia, one of the first magazines by and for trans people.

For Further Reading:

• Louise Lawrence Transgender Archive
• The Tra...

Diamanda Galás (1955-present) is a musician and vocalist whose singular, shocking—and sometimes downright satanic—vocal style has captivated fans and critics alike for decades. Through her music, she seeks to give voice to the suffering of marginalized groups throughout history.  

For Further Reading:

• A Guide to Diamanda Galás’ Work 
• Diamanda Galás Gives Voice to Unbearable...