Dr. Margaret “Mom” Chung was the first Chinese American woman to become a physician. She founded one of the first Western medical clinics in San Francisco’s Chinatown in the 1920s. During World War II, she and her widespread network of “adopted sons,” most of them American soldiers, sailors, and airmen who called her “Mom,” became famous.
Esteemed Chinese empress who dedicated her life to serving as a stabilizing force and wise advisor within the imperial court.
Japanese classical poet of the late Heian and early Kamakura periods
Indian poet and political activist
Japanese biologist and cytologist (scientist who studies cells) Kono Yasui became the first Japanese woman to receive a doctoral degree in science in 1927.
In 1641, Putri Sri Alam, after the death of her husband, ascended the throne of the Kingdom of Aceh Darussalamand (modern-day Indonesian province of Aceh) and took the title Sulṭāna Taj ul-Alam Safiatuddin Syah.
Mughal princess and poet
Matilda Kum, also named Cum Hong, was the first identified Chinese female immigrant to New Zealand, where she raised the first known family of entirely Chinese descent.
Chinese-New Zealand businesswoman, shopkeeper and community leader
Pioneering Japanese manga artist best known for creating the popular comic strip “Sazae-san” in 1946. Her work achieved national circulation in 1949 and ran daily until her retirement in 1974.