100 Women’s History Trivia Questions

Women have played a significant role in shaping history, often breaking barriers and defying societal norms.

In honor of their remarkable contributions, we’ve compiled some trivia questions related to women’s history.

Test your knowledge and learn more about the incredible women who have left their mark on the world.

Whether you’re hosting a trivia night, looking to expand your historical knowledge, or just curious, these questions will entertain and educate you on the achievements and struggles of women throughout history.

Let’s begin.

Women’s History Trivia Questions

Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and in which field was it awarded? Detail the year she won and the groundbreaking work she did which led to this honor.
Name the African-American woman who refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955, sparking a major civil rights movement. Describe the impact of her action on the civil rights movement.
Identify the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Discuss her political ideology and the significant policies she implemented during her tenure.
Who was the iconic American poet known for her reclusive lifestyle and unique, short form poetry, often discussing themes of death and immortality? Highlight her posthumous fame and the influence she has on modern poetry.
Which woman, born a slave, became a leading figure in the abolitionist movement and delivered the famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech in 1851? Elaborate on her life story and her contributions to the abolitionist and feminist movements.
Name the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Detail the year this occurred and the challenges she faced during this historic flight.
Who was the first female Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, appointed in 1981? Discuss her background and the significant decisions she influenced on the Court.
Identify the pioneering French scientist who discovered radium and polonium and won two Nobel Prizes in different scientific fields. Discuss her research and its lasting impact on science.
Which Indian woman, often referred to as the “Iron Lady of India,” served as the first and only female Prime Minister of India? Detail her major political achievements and her role in shaping modern India.
Who was the first female pharaoh of ancient Egypt, known for her prosperous reign and significant architectural achievements? Discuss her reign and how she was depicted in historical records.
Name the famous Mexican painter known for her self-portraits and works inspired by nature and Mexican culture. Describe her influence on Mexican art and her impact on feminism.
Identify the African-American author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993, known for her powerful narratives about the African-American experience. Discuss her most famous works and the themes she explored.
Which American woman became the first female astronaut to travel to space in 1983? Detail her mission and its significance in the history of space exploration.
Who was the pioneering nurse who founded modern nursing and became famous for her work during the Crimean War? Discuss her contributions to healthcare and her lasting legacy.
Name the French woman who led the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years’ War and was later canonized as a saint. Elaborate on her life, her visions, and her impact on French history.
Which American civil rights activist was instrumental in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr.? Discuss her role in the civil rights movement and her advocacy for racial and gender equality.
Identify the British writer famous for her novels exploring themes of class, marriage, and womanhood in early 19th century England. Discuss her most famous works and their impact on literature.
Who was the Chinese empress who rose from a concubine to the throne and became one of the most effective and controversial monarchs in China’s history? Discuss her reign and how she managed to consolidate power.
Name the first woman to run for President of the United States, doing so in 1872, decades before women had the right to vote. Discuss her platform and the impact of her candidacy on women’s rights.
Which American anthropologist, known for her work in Samoa, challenged Western perceptions of sexuality and gender roles in the early 20th century? Elaborate on her research and its influence on cultural anthropology.
Identify the Pakistani activist and youngest Nobel Prize laureate, known for her advocacy for girls’ education. Describe her background and the incident that brought her international attention.
Who was the first woman to be elected as the President of Ireland, also known for her work with the United Nations? Detail her contributions to human rights and global issues.
Name the American aviatrix who was the first African-American woman to hold a pilot’s license. Discuss her achievements and the barriers she broke in the field of aviation.
Which pioneering computer scientist wrote the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine? Describe her contributions to the development of computer programming.
Who was the ancient Egyptian queen famous for her political acumen and romantic liaisons with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony? Discuss her role in Egyptian and Roman politics.
Identify the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1923. Highlight her poetic style and the themes she explored in her work.
Which American suffragist and social activist co-founded the National American Woman Suffrage Association? Detail her role in the women’s suffrage movement.
Name the renowned British crime novelist known for creating the fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Discuss the impact of her novels on the mystery genre.
Who was the pioneering French fashion designer known for her iconic suits and the little black dress? Detail her influence on women’s fashion and her legacy in the fashion industry.
Identify the first female African-American astronaut who went to space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992. Discuss her background and the significance of her space mission.
Which 16th-century British queen is known for her strong rule and the Elizabethan Age, a period of English renaissance? Highlight her policies and their impact on English history.
Name the American poet and civil rights activist known for her autobiographical series of books, including “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” Discuss her contributions to literature and civil rights.
Who was the Polish scientist and the first person to win two Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields? Discuss her groundbreaking research and its impact.
Identify the first female Prime Minister of India, known for her leadership during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. Detail her political career and legacy.
Which woman was the first African-American First Lady of the United States? Discuss her initiatives and impact during her tenure.
Name the influential German philosopher and political theorist known for her works on totalitarianism and modernity. Discuss her key ideas and contributions to political thought.
Who was the British woman famously known for her environmental activism and efforts in pioneering the modern environmental movement? Detail her works and the impact of her activism.
Identify the American singer and actress, a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, known for her unique voice and civil rights activism. Discuss her legacy in music and her role in the civil rights movement.
Which woman is recognized as the world’s first computer programmer, having written algorithms for Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine in the 19th century? Describe her contributions to the early development of computer science.
Name the first female Chancellor of Germany, known for her leadership in the European Union and her role in managing several international crises. Discuss her political strategies and her impact on global politics.
Who was the first woman to serve as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives? Discuss her political career and her influence in American politics.
Identify the pioneering American birth control activist and sex educator who founded the organization that would become Planned Parenthood. Discuss her role in the women’s rights movement and the controversies surrounding her work.
Name the French saint and national heroine who led French forces to victory during the Hundred Years’ War. Discuss her visions, military campaigns, and her eventual canonization.
Which British writer and feminist is known for her essay “A Room of One’s Own,” advocating for both literal and figurative space for women writers in a male-dominated literary world? Discuss her contributions to literature and feminism.
Who was the iconic American jazz singer known as “Lady Day,” celebrated for her vocal style and pioneering influence in jazz music? Discuss her life, career, and lasting impact on music.
Identify the first woman to serve as the U.S. Secretary of State. Discuss her background and the significant diplomatic achievements during her tenure.
Name the American author known for her novel “Little Women,” which has become a classic of American literature. Discuss the themes of her writing and her impact on American literature.
Which woman, born in Macedonia, became known worldwide for her charitable work in India and was canonized as a saint? Discuss her life’s work and the legacy she left behind.
Who was the first African-American woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Drama? Highlight her most famous play and its impact on American theater.
Identify the Egyptian queen who co-ruled with her son and is known for her distinctive bust housed in Berlin’s Neues Museum. Discuss her reign and her portrayal in the arts and archaeology.
Which American woman became famous for her environmental book “Silent Spring,” which spurred the global environmental movement? Discuss the book’s impact and the environmental policies it influenced.
Name the first female African-American secretary of state in the United States. Discuss her role in American foreign policy and her contributions to international relations.
Who was the British monarch whose reign marked the longest in British history before being surpassed by her great-great-granddaughter Elizabeth II? Discuss her influence on British culture and politics.
Identify the American civil rights leader and the wife of Martin Luther King Jr., known for her artistic talents and activism. Discuss her role in the civil rights movement and her contributions to social justice.
Which Australian woman, a leading figure in the women’s suffrage movement, became the first female member of the British House of Lords? Discuss her political career and her advocacy for women’s rights.
Name the acclaimed British author known for her series of fantasy novels featuring a young wizard and his adventures. Discuss the impact of her works on literature and popular culture.
Who was the French physicist and chemist, a two-time Nobel Prize winner, known for her research on radioactivity and the discovery of polonium and radium? Discuss her scientific achievements and legacy.
Identify the first woman to serve as the Prime Minister of Israel. Discuss her leadership during pivotal moments in Israel’s history.
Which American astronaut became the first woman to command a Space Shuttle mission? Discuss her space missions and her contributions to space exploration.
Name the American anthropologist known for her pioneering work in cultural anthropology, particularly her study of adolescent girls in Samoa. Discuss her influence on anthropology and her challenge to Western perceptions of other cultures.
Who was the first woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize, and in which year? Discuss her architectural style and significant projects.
Identify the British political leader and suffragette who co-founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903. Discuss her methods of activism and the impact she had on the women’s suffrage movement.
Name the American civil rights leader who delivered the famous “I Have Been to the Mountaintop” speech the day before her husband’s assassination. Discuss her role in the Civil Rights Movement and her legacy.
Which American actress and comedian was the first woman to own her own film studio in the 1950s? Discuss her contributions to the entertainment industry and her impact on television comedy.
Who was the first female African-American poet to publish a book of poetry in the United States, in 1773? Discuss her life and the themes present in her poetry.
Identify the first woman to win a Best Director Oscar, and for which film? Discuss her career in film and the significance of her achievement.
Name the French woman who was the first person to receive two Nobel Prizes in different fields. Discuss her scientific contributions and the challenges she faced as a woman in science.
Which American woman became famous as an aviation pioneer and author, and disappeared mysteriously during a circumnavigational flight of the globe? Discuss her achievements and the mystery surrounding her disappearance.
Who was the first woman to be appointed as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights? Discuss her role and contributions to human rights advocacy.
Identify the American singer, songwriter, and political activist known as the “Queen of Folk” during the 1960s. Discuss her influence on music and her role in social activism.
Name the British author who wrote the influential gothic novel “Frankenstein” in 1818. Discuss the themes of her work and its impact on literature and popular culture.
Which woman was the first female physician in the United States, and founded the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania? Discuss her contribution to medicine and women’s education.
Who was the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan? Discuss her political career and her impact on Pakistani politics and women’s rights in the country.
Identify the American abstract expressionist painter known for her large-scale, color-filled canvases. Discuss her role in the abstract expressionist movement and her impact on modern art.
Name the American tennis player who won 39 Grand Slam titles and was a prominent advocate for gender equality in sports. Discuss her achievements and her role in the fight for equal pay in tennis.
Which woman was the first to serve as the president of Harvard University? Discuss her academic contributions and her impact on higher education.
Who was the British nurse and statistician who became known as the founder of modern nursing? Discuss her innovations in healthcare and her impact on nursing education and practices.
Identify the American folk artist, who started painting in her late seventies, and became a celebrated figure in American art. Discuss her style and how she achieved fame in the art world.
Name the first woman to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress in 1925. Discuss her role in the Indian independence movement and her contributions to Indian politics.
Which American athlete became the first woman to win three gold medals in track and field at a single Olympics, and in which year? Discuss her athletic achievements and her impact on sports.
Who was the first woman to become the President of the Supreme Court in the United Kingdom? Discuss her career and her contributions to British law.
Identify the American writer and social reformer known for her landmark book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” which influenced attitudes toward African American slavery. Discuss her impact on literature and social change.
Name the French fashion designer credited with popularizing the “little black dress” and the Chanel suit. Discuss her influence on 20th-century fashion and women’s liberation.
Which American astronaut became the first woman to spend nearly a year in space on a single mission? Discuss her mission and its significance for long-duration spaceflight.
Who was the first African-American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature? Discuss her most famous works and the themes she explored.
Identify the first woman to serve as the Prime Minister of Norway. Discuss her role in Norwegian politics and her contributions to international relations.
Name the British political figure who was the first female leader of the Conservative Party and the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Discuss her policies and impact on British politics.
Which woman was known as the “Mother of Modern Dance,” revolutionizing dance with her expressive and free-flowing style? Discuss her contributions to the world of dance and choreography.
Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and for what discovery? Discuss her contribution to medical science.
Identify the American author known for her novel “The Color Purple,” which won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Discuss the themes of her work and her influence on American literature.
Name the first woman to be appointed as the U.S. Secretary of State for African-American affairs. Discuss her career and her impact on U.S. foreign policy.
Which American singer and civil rights activist was known as the “Empress of the Blues”? Discuss her influence on the blues genre and her role in the Harlem Renaissance.
Who was the first woman to become the Chancellor of Germany, known for her leadership during the European financial crisis and her open-door policy on immigration? Discuss her political strategies and her impact on European politics.
Identify the first woman to win the Fields Medal, often described as the Nobel Prize of Mathematics. Discuss her contributions to mathematics and her legacy.
Name the American feminist, journalist, and social and political activist known for co-founding Ms. Magazine. Discuss her role in the feminist movement and her impact on American culture.
Which woman, born in Swaziland, became a prominent anti-apartheid activist and was the first black woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize? Discuss her contributions to peace and social justice.
Who was the first female pilot to fly solo across the North Atlantic Ocean? Discuss her flight and its significance in the history of aviation.
Identify the British author and philosopher known for her book “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,” published in 1792. Discuss her contributions to feminist philosophy and literature.
Name the American civil rights activist known for organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycott and co-founding the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Discuss her role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Which American singer-songwriter, known for her unique vocal style and poetic songwriting, has been a major influence on popular music and culture since the 1960s? Discuss her impact on music and popular culture.

Answers

Marie Curie, Physics, 1903, for her research on radioactivity.
Rosa Parks, her action led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott and was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
Margaret Thatcher, known for her neoliberal policies and transformative impact on British politics.
Emily Dickinson, gained fame posthumously and influenced modern poetry with her distinctive style.
Sojourner Truth, a former slave who became a key figure in both the abolitionist and early women’s rights movements.
Amelia Earhart, in 1932, facing mechanical and weather challenges.
Sandra Day O’Connor, had a moderate influence and was a pivotal swing vote on many decisions.
Marie Curie, for her work in Physics and Chemistry, significantly advancing scientific understanding of radioactivity.
Indira Gandhi, known for her centralizing policies and role in India’s Green Revolution.
Hatshepsut, known for her peaceful and prosperous reign and significant building projects.
Frida Kahlo, celebrated for her introspective self-portraits and role in Mexican modernism.
Toni Morrison, known for novels like “Beloved” that explore the African-American experience.
Sally Ride, STS-7 mission on the Challenger, marking a significant moment in space history.
Florence Nightingale, revolutionized nursing practices and set foundations for modern nursing.
Joan of Arc, a national heroine of France and a symbol of French unity and nationalism.
Rosa Parks, her activism went beyond the bus boycott, advocating for racial justice and women’s rights.
Jane Austen, renowned for novels like “Pride and Prejudice,” which critically examine societal norms.
Wu Zetian, expanded the empire and implemented reforms but faced controversy for her methods.
Victoria Woodhull, advocated for women’s rights and labor reforms.
Margaret Mead, her work in Samoa opened discussions on cultural relativism and challenged Western norms on sexuality and gender roles.
Malala Yousafzai, known for her activism in Pakistan and surviving a targeted attack for her advocacy.
Mary Robinson, a prominent human rights advocate who served as President of Ireland and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Bessie Coleman, who overcame racial and gender barriers in the early 20th century.
Ada Lovelace, whose work in the mid-1800s laid the foundation for computer programming.
Cleopatra, a significant figure in Roman and Egyptian history, known for her intelligence and political skill.
Edna St. Vincent Millay, known for her lyrical and socially-conscious poetry.
Susan B. Anthony, a key figure in the American women’s suffrage movement.
Agatha Christie, whose works have become classics in the mystery and crime genres.
Coco Chanel, who revolutionized women’s fashion in the early 20th century.
Mae Jemison, an accomplished engineer and physician, and a symbol of diversity in space exploration.
Elizabeth I, who oversaw a period of great cultural, economic, and political growth in England.
Maya Angelou, a celebrated writer and civil rights advocate.
Marie Curie, known for her pioneering research on radioactivity.
Indira Gandhi, a key figure in India’s history and the first woman to lead the country.
Michelle Obama, known for her advocacy on health, education, and military families.
Hannah Arendt, whose works on totalitarianism and the nature of power are highly influential.
Rachel Carson, whose book “Silent Spring” was instrumental in the environmental movement.
Billie Holiday, a jazz legend known for her distinctive voice and activism.
Ada Lovelace, recognized for her work on Babbage’s Analytical Engine.
Angela Merkel, known for her pragmatic leadership style and influence in European and global politics.
Nancy Pelosi, a key figure in modern American politics known for her leadership and policy-making skills.
Margaret Sanger, a controversial figure in the early 20th century due to her advocacy for birth control.
Joan of Arc, a symbol of French patriotism and a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.
Virginia Woolf, a central figure in modernist literature and feminist literary criticism.
Billie Holiday, whose personal struggles mirrored the challenges faced by African American women in the early 20th century.
Madeleine Albright, known for her diplomatic efforts in the Balkans and Middle East.
Louisa May Alcott, whose novels often reflected her own experiences and societal challenges.
Mother Teresa, revered for her charity work but also the subject of criticism and debate.
Suzan-Lori Parks, known for her play “Topdog/Underdog.”
Nefertiti, an influential queen but also a subject of historical and archaeological debate.
Rachel Carson, credited with advancing the global environmental movement.
Condoleezza Rice, known for her expertise in Soviet and Eastern Europe Affairs.
Queen Victoria, whose reign saw the expansion of the British Empire and significant cultural, industrial, and political change.
Coretta Scott King, an influential figure in both civil rights and women’s equality.
Nancy Astor, an influential figure in British politics and a pioneer for women’s political participation.
J.K. Rowling, whose Harry Potter series has become a cultural phenomenon.
Marie Curie, a pioneer in the field of radioactivity and one of the most famous scientists of her time.
Golda Meir, known for her leadership during the Yom Kippur War and her role in the formation of Israel.
Eileen Collins, a trailblazer in the field of space exploration.
Margaret Mead, whose work challenged many preconceived notions about culture and society.
Zaha Hadid in 2004, known for her bold and futuristic architectural designs.
Emmeline Pankhurst, known for her militant tactics in the fight for women’s suffrage in Britain.
Coretta Scott King, a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement and an advocate for non-violence.
Lucille Ball, a pioneer in the television industry and influential in the evolution of sitcoms.
Phillis Wheatley, whose poetry touched on themes of race, religion, and identity.
Kathryn Bigelow for “The Hurt Locker” in 2010, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.
Marie Curie, known for her groundbreaking work in radioactivity.
Amelia Earhart, a symbol of the adventurous spirit and the pursuit of new frontiers.
Mary Robinson, a committed advocate for global human rights.
Joan Baez, a key figure in the folk music revival and a voice for social justice.
Mary Shelley, whose novel explored themes of creation, responsibility, and the supernatural.
Elizabeth Blackwell, a trailblazer for women in the medical field.
Benazir Bhutto, a pivotal figure in Pakistani politics and an advocate for democracy.
Helen Frankenthaler, known for her contribution to the Color Field painting movement.
Billie Jean King, a key figure in the fight for gender equality in sports.
Drew Gilpin Faust, a historian who broadened the scope of academic disciplines at Harvard.
Florence Nightingale, who introduced sanitary healthcare practices and professional training for nurses.
Grandma Moses, celebrated for her nostalgic and pastoral scenes of rural American life.
Sarojini Naidu, a poet and a leader in India’s struggle for independence from British rule.
Wilma Rudolph in 1960, an icon in athletics and a symbol of overcoming adversity.
Brenda Hale, who played a significant role in shaping British law and advocating for gender equality in the judiciary.
Harriet Beecher Stowe, whose novel galvanized anti-slavery sentiment in the 19th century.
Coco Chanel, a pivotal figure in the liberation of women’s fashion.
Christina Koch, her mission provided valuable data for future Mars missions.
Toni Morrison, renowned for her powerful narratives about the African-American experience.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, known for her environmental work and leadership in public health.
Margaret Thatcher, known for her neoliberal policies and significant impact on the UK’s economy and society.
Isadora Duncan, a trailblazer in the dance world who broke away from traditional ballet.
Gerty Cori, for her research on the metabolism of glucose, important for understanding diabetes.
Alice Walker, whose works explore themes of race, gender, and identity.
Condoleezza Rice, who played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy in the early 21st century.
Bessie Smith, a seminal figure in the development of blues music.
Angela Merkel, a key figure in European politics known for her pragmatic leadership.
Maryam Mirzakhani, known for her work in complex geometry and dynamical systems.
Gloria Steinem, a leading figure in the modern feminist movement.
Albertina Sisulu, a key figure in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
Amelia Earhart, her 1932 flight was a major milestone in aviation history.
Mary Wollstonecraft, a foundational figure in modern feminist thought.
Rosa Parks, a pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement.
Joni Mitchell, a groundbreaking artist known for her profound impact on music and culture.