Nov 2008 will be the next presidential elections in the US. While we are yet to find out if Hillary Clinton will be the first woman president of the US, it is worth to know other women who were first in different interesting areas.
Geraldine Ferraro was Walter Mondale's running mate for US presidency in 1984 and was the first ever female US vice-presidential candidate.
The first ever female prime minister was Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Known affectionately in Sri Lanka as "Mrs. B", she was prime minister for 12 years, serving in two separate terms 1960-65 and 1970-77.
The first ever female prime minister was Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Known affectionately in Sri Lanka as "Mrs. B", she was prime minister for 12 years, serving in two separate terms 1960-65 and 1970-77.
In 1896, Alice Guy became the first woman to write and direct a movie film, La fee aux choux (The Cabbage Fairy). She was actually working as a secretary and was only allowed to direct as long as it didn't interfere with her secretarial work. She ended up making about 800 films.
Sabiha Gocken was the first female combat pilot. She earned her pilot wings in 1937 and in the same year, took part in bombing campaigns against rebels in eastern Turkey. In 2001, an airport in Istanbul was named after her. In the US, the first female fighter pilot to see action was Lt. Andrea Quy, who piloted an F-14 and bombed a target in Iraq on Dec. 18, 1998.
On June 16, 1963, Valentina Tereshkova was launched into orbit by the Soviet Union, becoming the first woman in space. Actually, another woman (Tatyana Morozycheva) was initially chosen by Russia's space agency, but she became pregnant before the scheduled launch date. It wasn't until 1983 that US launced Sally Ride, its first woman into space.
Sabiha Gocken was the first female combat pilot. She earned her pilot wings in 1937 and in the same year, took part in bombing campaigns against rebels in eastern Turkey. In 2001, an airport in Istanbul was named after her. In the US, the first female fighter pilot to see action was Lt. Andrea Quy, who piloted an F-14 and bombed a target in Iraq on Dec. 18, 1998.
On June 16, 1963, Valentina Tereshkova was launched into orbit by the Soviet Union, becoming the first woman in space. Actually, another woman (Tatyana Morozycheva) was initially chosen by Russia's space agency, but she became pregnant before the scheduled launch date. It wasn't until 1983 that US launced Sally Ride, its first woman into space.
Hiding behind a mask and going by the name Senorita X, Juanita Cruz became the first woman bullfighter in 1933. She wore the mask to prevent her parents from recognizing her.
In sports, Roberta Gibb was the first woman to run the Boston marathon. Her application was initially declined as race officials refused, saying women couldn't run such long distance.
In 1931, Jackie Mitchell, pitching for the Chattanooga Lookout, stuck out baseball legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. It was only an exhibition game, but nonetheless, she became the first woman to pitch in a proffessional baseball game.
On Sept 1992, Manon Rheaume played as goalkeeper for the Tampa Bay Lightning in a preseason game against St.Louis Blues, becoming the first woman to play in an NHL hockey game. She made seven saves and allowed two goals. In September 1979, the Indiana Pacers invited Anne Meyers to try out for the team during a rookie free-agent camp. She became the first woman to try out for an NBA team.
Finally, South African Ruth Tapscott caused a stir when in 1927 she went bare-legged (no stockings) at Wimbledon. Lili De Alvarez was the first woman to play wearing shorts in Wimbledon in 1931.
In sports, Roberta Gibb was the first woman to run the Boston marathon. Her application was initially declined as race officials refused, saying women couldn't run such long distance.
In 1931, Jackie Mitchell, pitching for the Chattanooga Lookout, stuck out baseball legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. It was only an exhibition game, but nonetheless, she became the first woman to pitch in a proffessional baseball game.
On Sept 1992, Manon Rheaume played as goalkeeper for the Tampa Bay Lightning in a preseason game against St.Louis Blues, becoming the first woman to play in an NHL hockey game. She made seven saves and allowed two goals. In September 1979, the Indiana Pacers invited Anne Meyers to try out for the team during a rookie free-agent camp. She became the first woman to try out for an NBA team.
Finally, South African Ruth Tapscott caused a stir when in 1927 she went bare-legged (no stockings) at Wimbledon. Lili De Alvarez was the first woman to play wearing shorts in Wimbledon in 1931.
Random Odds & Ends:
- The average woman uses up approximately her height in lipstick every five years.
- Today, Japan leads the world in condom use. Like cosmetics, they're sold door to door, by women.
- A Saudi Arabian woman can get a divorce if her husband doesn't give her coffee.
- America's first nudist organization was founded in 1929, by 3 men.
- Women shoplift more often than men; the statistics are 4 to 1.
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