Forgotten Women Explorers

Unveiling the Hidden Stories of Female Pioneers in Exploration

Edy Zoo
3 min readJul 8

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Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

In the annals of history, amidst tales of daring and discovery, lie the often forgotten stories of women who fearlessly ventured into the unknown. These intrepid explorers, overshadowed by their male counterparts, made groundbreaking contributions to the world of exploration. Join us on a captivating journey as we shed light on the lives and achievements of these forgotten women, whose remarkable feats shaped the course of history.

Throughout the ages, women from different corners of the world defied societal norms and embarked on daring expeditions, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and adventure. These trailblazing adventurers broke through barriers and shattered stereotypes, their stories woven into the fabric of exploration.

One such explorer was Gertrude Bell, an extraordinary Englishwoman who explored the vast deserts and archaeological sites of the Middle East in the early 20th century. Bell’s passion for travel and her fluency in multiple languages allowed her to immerse herself in Arab culture, earning her the respect and trust of local tribes. Her meticulous documentation of ancient ruins and her influential role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region made her an indomitable force in exploration and diplomacy.

Another remarkable figure was Nellie Bly, an American journalist who undertook a daring journey around the world in just 72 days, emulating the fictional journey of Jules Verne’s character Phileas Fogg. Bly’s determination and tenacity captivated the public’s imagination, making her a symbol of female empowerment and resilience. Her record-breaking feat paved the way for future generations of female adventurers, proving that gender was no barrier to conquering the unknown.

Delving further into history, we encounter the remarkable story of Jeanne Baret, a French botanist who disguised herself as a man to accompany her partner, naturalist Philibert Commerson, on a voyage of scientific exploration in the 18th century. Baret’s knowledge of botany and her keen observation skills allowed her to contribute significantly to the field of plant taxonomy. Her remarkable journey circumnavigating the globe and her groundbreaking contributions…

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Edy Zoo

Edy Zoo is an author who writes about social subjects. He contributes to the ever-growing library of social critics.