Ladies First: 7 Inspiring Women Who Pioneered the Feminist Movement

As I begrudgingly wake up every morning and head into Manhattan for another day at the office, it's easy to forget that just 50 years ago, what I'm doing was unheard of for women. As a girl who grew up repeatedly being told by my parents that I was going to go to college and find a job, it's difficult to fathom not being able to do this. But that's precisely the way it was for many of the women highlighted in MAKERS: WOMEN WHO MAKE AMERICA, a groundbreaking documentary that chronicles the extraordinary stories of women who led, opposed, or were trailblazers in the feminist movement. In honor of these fearless ladies, I rounded up 7 inspiring feminists who helped shape women's rights in their own respective careers and fields. From the first female NBA referee to the first actress to play a single working woman on television, we can all take a lesson from these women's courage and determination. - By Jennifer Gimbel

MORE ON BABBLE
10 incredible black women balancing career and motherhood
8 vintage job training tips that scream sexism
10 ways women are tougher than men