Women all over the world represent an irreplaceable part of the family circle; as well as contribute values to human society that throughout history have allowed the evolution and improvement of the social, economic and political conditions of many countries.

Although the road has not been an easy one, women have been in a constant struggle to have recognition in equal treatment throughout the years. For this same reason, in 1975 the United Nations recognized the International Women's Day, which beyond a celebration, represents all these women who have tried to make a difference in history in order to be able to integrate into all aspects of society, from having the right of education, the right to vote, to have equitable salaries, among other things.

That's why at AXA we want to talk to you about women who have made a difference in history by TRAVELLING, regardless of the stereotypes of their time and the situations they had against them.

Elizabeth Jane Cochran 

Around the world in just 72 days!

Better known as Nellie Bly, she was an American journalist who challenged gender limitations in her generation. Elizabeth Jane Cochran caused stir in Mexico for her book "six months in Mexico" during the time of Porfirio Diaz, she also faked insanity to do some undercover investigative journalism at a mental institution. She was also a world traveler, and through this became the most famous journalist of her time.

This intrepid woman in 1887 proposed to her New York World editor an expedition to go around the world in fewer days than Phileas Fogg, the protagonist of the famous novel "Around the World in 80 days" by Jules Verne. Facing the doubts of her publisher, Nellie Bly traveled around the world to achieve her goal, she even visited France to attend a personal invitation to meet Jules Verne himself and his wife. 

Her entire trip was published in the World newspaper for which she worked, making small chronicles so that readers could visualize her journey, which ended up recapitulated in her book "Around the World in Seventy-Two Day". 

This incredible woman published countless publications, and even had had a board game created in her honor, in addition to multiple films and being inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1988, Nellie was a woman who was able to inspire and change the world.

“Energy rightly applied and directed will accomplish anything.” -Nellie Bly.

Junko Tabei

The world’s highest peak

Junko Tabei was a Japanese alpinist who defied all expectations by being the first woman to climb and see the world from the highest peak: Mount Everest.  Since Junko Tabei was a little girl, she was judged for being weak and fragile, she was the fifth child of seven brothers, and had a short stature. She challenged all stereotypes of herself and of women in general who during her time where only considered for marriage.  

In 1969, she founded an exclusively female mountaineering club and after multiple practices and some smaller mountains, on May 16, 1975 she managed to climb the tip of Everest even though she had suffered an avalanche a few days before. This woman not only carried her backpack, but a thousand gender prejudices up Mount Everest.

In 1977, Junko Tabei also became the first woman to climb the seven summits of the world and managed to climb in more than 70 countries around the world throughout her life, breaking down barriers and changing the perspective that people had in alpinism. 

"I cannot understand why men make such a fuss over the Everest". -Junko Tabei.

Annie Londonderry 

Traveling the world on two wheels

Annie Cohen Kopchovsky was born in 1895 in Latvia, but lived most of her life in the United States. A mother of four and mostly a homemaker, she decided to travel around the world on bike without properly knowing how to ride. It all started with a bet she made with an executive from a Boston club in 1894, the bet was to get around the world in less than 15 months in exchange for ten thousand dollars. 

During that time women did not participate much in sports, however, this did not stop Annie’s determination to begin her journey on a bicycle that was created especially for women, without a single penny to her name, and a long skirt. 
  
Annie was no fool and knew how to market herself; in fact, her last name "Londonderry" was a change she made to advertise her first sponsor Spring Water Company for $100. Therefore, along the way, Annie tried to market herself by sewing brands on her clothes, conducting interviews and using her bicycle to her advantage. She visited multiple countries on her trip and finally made the entire trip in just 14 months, winning the bet of ten thousand dollars plus all the money earned from advertising during her trip.

Annie demonstrated a skill that women where thought not to have during that time, she challenged all possibilities, helped boost bicycle sales, empowered many women and discovered the world in just fourteen months. 

"I am a journalist and 'a new woman' if that term means that I believe I can do anything that any man can do." - Annie Londonderry  

Make sure you purchase your travel plan today and protect your next adventure. 

Disclaimer: Welcome to the AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Blog! The Travel on Blog is intended to provide you with entertaining and educational information of a general nature. The articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Please contact AXA Assistance USA if you have any questions.