10 MARY'S WHO CHANGED the WORLD

Ok, so that's an overstatement. Christianity's Virgin Mary, by virtue of giving birth to Jesus, certainly impacted the world. But, who are these other ladies named Mary, who made earth shattering news? With the exception of history buffs, most people probably are not aware of Mary's who made a positive difference for future generations, by stepping out of the female gender roles foisted upon them by society.

A mere 77 years ago today, women didn't have the right to vote in US elections. 110 years ago, married women weren't allowed, by law, to own property, and were only granted the right to have credit in their own names 32 years ago. Long after the Civil War was over, society demanded females wear corsets. Girdles were still very much en vogue in the 1950s and early 1960s. It wasn't until 1965 that married couples were given the legal right to buy contraceptives.

Living in a society with such rigid gender roles, it took courage for these 10 Mary's to accomplish their achievements. Take a look at contributions made during their lifetimes: