Which Strong Historical Woman Are You?

By: Olivia Cantor
Estimated Completion Time
9 min
Which Strong Historical Woman Are You?
Image: Wiki Commons by Henri Manuel, WikiCommons by Unknown, WikiCommons by Frances "Fannie" Benjamin Johnston

About This Quiz

Society recognizes achievers for different reasons. Yet these recognitions sometimes get clouded by obvious gender gaps.

For instance, recognizing women's contributions in various cultural sectors still falls victim to age-old gendered nuances. In STEM fields, for example, certain women's organizations continuously voice the lack of female representation in these fields. While many women work in science, technology, engineering and mathematical fields, their recognition comes quite late for the work they've been doing. Movies like "Hidden Figures" showcased that clearly. The film featured historically strong women who beat the odds and helped put a man on the moon. But because of their race and gender, their contributions were unheard of during that crucial time.

Certain historically strong women also had to contend with "balancing careers and family life," which put an uneven head start for men in the professional circles. Since we traditionally see women as housekeepers, they feel undue pressure to "make things work" at home while pursuing careers. This is what the development sector calls "paid labor and unpaid labor." Traditionally, men get exempted from doing unpaid labor at home since they are already the breadwinner of the family. Women also get pressured to "break the glass ceiling" in workplaces traditionally deemed as male-dominated. Nonetheless, we still have a fine roster of women who persevered over time. 

How about you? Do you think you have what it takes to get recognized as a historically strong woman? Take the quiz and see for yourself!

World peace: Is it a realistic concept or a fictional one?
When my troops finish conquering, then there will be real peace in the world.
If we work together to discover things to help humanity, I think it can become a reality.
It's fictional right now since not all genders are equal in everything. Overturn that, and it'll get better.
It will be realistic when people learn how to respect each other, no matter their differences.

Advertisement

Are your looks your strongest asset?
That's what they all say. But my brains are far better than theirs, too!
I don't bother with looks. It's the brains that count. My brain, to be exact.
It's your opinion that matters more. Public speaking is mine.
It's determination for me.

Advertisement

Do you consider yourself a science geek?
Only when concocting potions for battle
I'm more than a geek. Science is life!
I'm more interested in social science.
I'm interested in learning many things, not just science.

Advertisement

"Equal pay for equal work." Do you believe in that?
Throw in "equal reign" and I can consider that.
If that means the hubby can do housework, too, then I'm all for it!
Yes! Women work as hard as men do. Why should their salaries be different?
Yes. No discrimination of any kind, regardless of race and gender.

Advertisement

Can you handle the ins and outs of politics?
With enough wit and proper planning, I can. Easy!
I'd rather work in my studio or laboratory.
If that's what it takes to put marginalized voices up front, I'll do that!
I leave politics to the politicians. But they should enact laws good for the common people, though.

Advertisement

Do you believe in the importance of getting a formal education?
If you're already a monarch, that shouldn't be much of a problem already.
I do. Certain levels of knowledge are only accessible if you pursue higher knowledge.
I do. But being educated on the streets can also do wonders for someone who needs grounding.
Highly. People can achieve more if they are well-educated enough.

Advertisement

How big is your patience to do research and development work?
I have advisers to take care of that. They can give me a summary at the end of the day.
As infinite as the ocean. Whatever it takes!
I'm more of the participatory action research kind of person, not the bookish type. Research should have practical applications.
As long as people are willing to take a chance on me, I'll dedicate my time and effort to this.

Advertisement

During elections, do you go out and vote?
Not a fan of that. Whoever reigns will reign, period.
Whoever rules will have implications on how we work. So yes, I do that.
Yes! Everyone should, too! There was a time when not every citizen had this right. Exercise it. Don't waste a vote!
It's an important aspect of a democratic society. I do that whenever I can. That's one major time our voices get heard.

Advertisement

Human rights are cool, right?
That depends on the ruler at hand.
Yes. They help people attain specific goals in life.
Not only cool. Human rights are a necessity. Don't let it go to waste.
Absolutely. This set of guidelines should protect everyone.

Advertisement

Fancy yourself as a ruler, like a queen?
I am that, yes. Nothing less.
I'm more of a worker bee, I think.
We're all queens! Let's just remind society of that, though.
I'm more of the quiet type. I prefer working hard in the background for a ruler who's just and fair.

Advertisement

Are you comfortable working with chemicals in a laboratory?
I can dabble a bit. But it's not good for my complexion if I stay there all day.
Fumes and all, baby. Fumes and all.
Not my line, sorry.
I can try if that's the only option available for me.

Advertisement

Do you get bothered by how women generally get treated in society?
Not really. But I'll get bothered if they don't treat me right!
Not really. I'm more concerned with how my immediate circles treat me, though.
All the time. Equality for all, now!
Yes. Also bothered about racial treatment, too.

Advertisement

Even if the consequences are scary, are you willing to do something brave for the sake of humanity?
"Scared" is not in my vocabulary, honey.
I'm after the thrill of discovery, first and foremost. I don't see achievement as scary, especially if it will benefit humanity.
I don't see it as bravery. I see it as a necessity.
If that's what it takes, I'll put my stake on it.

Advertisement

Do you think of yourself as a femme fatale?
Nothing less. Someone has to do it!
Ha-ha-ha! What?
Maybe "a force to reckon with" is more like it!
Goodness, no.

Advertisement

Can you devote part of your life to teaching?
I can teach my lovers a thing or two. Does that count?
Sure. I have enough patience for that.
I can. It doesn't have to be in a formal setting, though. My classroom is on the streets!
If given the chance and opportunity, that's something I can consider.

Advertisement

Women should have a voice in society. Do you agree?
Always. They should hear me out.
Of course. Don't ask us for empirical evidence to prove our worth.
Yes! Women have important things to say, too, you know.
I need to check my safety first before I voice anything. Isn't that sad? But that's still a fact today.

Advertisement

Protests are an effective way to create changes in society. Do you agree?
For a while, maybe. Then it gets boring for me.
Presenting empirical data works better in my case.
Efforts to push for progress will work, yes. Even if it takes years, let's do it!
Peaceful ones always work.

Advertisement

Do you have the guts to flaunt your lovers out in the open?
When I have this kind of beauty, why not?
I'm committed to one person only. And we're highly respected in our circles.
No time for that when you're working to abolish many archaic laws!
I can't even flaunt my basic human rights, girl. That should come first!

Advertisement

Can you do professional work with your life partner?
If their ruling style matches mine, I can think about that.
Absolutely. We're a great tandem professionally and personally.
I'm too busy even to have a life partner.
If given a chance, yes. But what's more important is if my partner will support me, no matter which career I pursue.

Advertisement

If asked to give a speech about a topic you're passionate about, will you do it? And can you do it?
Of course! Speaking in public is not a problem for me.
Maybe, to help explain my research findings to people. Sure.
My passion will erase all stage fright. Yes, I will. And I can!
I can talk about being oppressed any time.

Advertisement

When it comes to fashion, can we consider you a trendsetter?
Ask my people, dear. They mimic my hairstyles, you know.
Who has time for shopping fashion stuff when laboratory work takes up all of my waking hours?
I wear what's comfortable. No trend in that!
I wear inconspicuous clothing that won't call attention to my presence. I don't like that kind of attention.

Advertisement

As a person, do you have what they call a "flair for the dramatics" when doing things?
"All the world's a stage" as the Bard wrote, honey. Yes.
A flair for scientific inquiry is more like it.
I'm an impassioned advocate. That's not really about dramatics.
People around me do. I just le them be, as long as they don't bother me.

Advertisement

In times of war, will you attempt to help the military at the battlefront?
I'm always at the battlefront! I lead the way.
I'll do what I can under my capacity, yes.
The battle is always in the political arena. I'd rather influence changes that way.
The war against daily discrimination is more real for me.

Advertisement

Is it still proper to say "men are the first sex and women are the second sex" in this day and age?
What utter nonsense! Men were never the first, ever!
There should be no battle between the sexes. Ever.
Simone de Beauvoir will turn in her grave. No way!
Any kind of hierarchy is not beneficial to society.

Advertisement

Are you willing to relocate outside of your birthplace?
I was born outside of my original homeland, dear. I've already embraced my new country as my own.
In the pursuit of better educational opportunities, I did just that!
I just stay where the fight is. It's already here in my state. No moving for me.
I had to move when things became controversial. Being arrested will do that, you know.

Advertisement

If push came to shove, will you get your hands dirty in battle?
I'm not just a pretty face, you know! Of course! Where's my weapon?
In scientific experiments, I always do. That's the real battle for me.
All kinds of battle will really make your hand "dirty' one way or another. I'm always prepared!
If my resistance will get me in jail, so be it. I hope it changes things, though. That's my plan.

Advertisement

Are you willing to do work for the good of humanity?
For the good of my people, first and foremost.
All the work I do is for the good of humanity. Nothing else matters.
All my life's work is for the good of humanity, honey — especially women and other oppressed people.
Yes. If it helps change things for the better, all the more!

Advertisement

Are you cool with being labeled a feminist?
Queen is just fine. That says it all.
I have no time to think about that when I'm busy discovering other labels for the periodic table of elements.
I am the living embodiment of feminism, dear. So yes!
They can label me what they want as long as those labels are humane. I'm OK with that.

Advertisement

Is the concept of civil disobedience a valid one, in your opinion?
Not if I'm the queen and they're disobeying me. Bah, traitors!
It is, but I'd rather work than protest. My work might change things, too.
It's so valid! Everyone should unite to form a critical mass to change antiquated laws.
It is. Society needs a catalyst to change antiquated traditions. Things change if we get united that way.

Advertisement

War: Is it necessary to life or a necessary evil?
A necessary evil, but necessary nonetheless
War can never be good nor necessary.
What good is the loss of life?
It's never necessary, no matter what the reason.

Advertisement

You Got: