In this series, you’ll meet the girls who dared to be different and ended up changing the world.
From breaking barriers to shattering expectations, these inspiring stories show how courage, self-belief and a dash of determination can lead to extraordinary dreams coming true. Each tale celebrates the power of being yourself, proving that no dream is too big when you have the heart to chase it. Dive into these stories of trailblazers, game-changers and visionaries who remind us all that the world becomes a better place when we have the courage to follow our own path!
Don’t forget to read Part 1 of this series!
In 19th-century India, Anandi Gopal Joshi defied societal norms to become the first Indian woman to earn a degree in western medicine. Learn how her inspiring journey across the ocean to study in America, battling both cultural barriers and her own illness, paved the way for generations of women to break free from tradition and pursue their dreams.
➜ English version
➜ Afrikaans coming soon
Inspired by childhood dreams of adventure, Ellen MacArthur grew up to become a world-record-breaking sailor who circumnavigated the globe solo. Read about how one person’s dream can make waves of change for the future.
➜ English version
➜ Afrikaans coming soon
Evonne Goolagong Cawley rose from humble beginnings in a small Australian town to become a world-renowned tennis champion. Discover how Evonne’s legacy lives on through her foundation, which empowers the next generation of Indigenous children to achieve their dreams through tennis and education.
➜ English version
➜ Afrikaans coming soon
Gertrude Stein was at the heart of the vibrant art scene in early 1900s Paris, where she collected masterpieces and mentored future legends like Picasso and Hemingway. Her Saturday salons became the epicenter of creativity, while her bold, unconventional writing pushed the boundaries of literature, helping to shape the artistic landscape of the twentieth century.
Jamie Chadwick became the youngest and first female winner of the British GT Championship at just seventeen, proving that gender is no barrier to racing greatness. With dreams of breaking into Formula One, she was determined to shatter stereotypes in a male-dominated sport, showing the world that girls can compete at the highest speeds and against the toughest competition.
Born without arms, Jessica Cox defied the odds to become the world’s first licenced armless pilot, showing that “differently-abled” doesn’t mean limited. With three black belts in taekwondo, a psychology degree, and a passion for inspiring others, Jessica’s journey from frustration to soaring through the skies teaches us all to embrace our unique strengths and never let anything hold us back.
Joan of Arc, a peasant girl from rural France, claimed to have divine visions at thirteen that inspired her to lead the French army during the Hundred Years’ War. Defying all expectations, she rallied a demoralised nation, secured key victories, and paved the way for the crowning of Charles VII, only to be captured and martyred at nineteen, leaving a legacy that would see her canonised as a saint centuries later.
In medieval England, Lady Godiva made a legendary sacrifice to alleviate the suffering of her people in Coventry, riding naked through the town to convince her husband, Leofric, to lower the oppressive taxes. Her courage and compassion have immortalised her in art, music, and history, reminding us that one person’s bold act of kindness can change the course of a community’s fate.
Despite being paralysed at a young age, Margarete Steiff defied all expectations to become a successful seamstress and the creator of the world-famous Steiff teddy bears. Her soft, cuddly toys revolutionised the industry, bringing comfort to children everywhere and establishing a legacy of quality and care that continues to be cherished over a century later.
On her 57th birthday, Rosie Swale-Pope embarked on an extraordinary 20,000-mile run around the world to raise awareness for prostate cancer, overcoming wolves, bears and harsh elements. From a shy girl who struggled in school, Rosie grew into a fearless adventurer, inspiring others with her message that life is precious and encouraging everyone to embrace challenges, no matter how daunting they may seem.
In a split second of heroism, an unnamed teacher from St Nicolai Kindergarten leaped into a dark, cold mineshaft to save a drowning three-year-old boy, holding him close until help arrived. Her selfless act of bravery became a national story, reminding everyone that true courage often comes from those who seek no recognition, only the safety and well-being of others.
Inspired by seeing a black woman on TV for the first time, Whoopi Goldberg knew she wanted to be an actor. Despite the challenges of single motherhood and working multiple jobs, she pursued her passion, eventually rising to fame with her one-woman show and iconic roles in films like The Colour Purple and Sister Act. Today, she continues to inspire, even taking her place aboard the USS Enterprise, proving that no dream is out of reach.
Subscribe to our mailing list to ensure you don’t miss out on any of our upcoming books and stories.