Women's History Month Trivia Question and Answers
1.
What was the name of the first female astronaut in space?
Answer:
Valentina Tereshkova
Explanation:
Valentina Tereshkova was the first female astronaut in space, making history when she flew aboard Vostok 6 on June 16, 1963. She orbited the Earth 48 times during her mission, paving the way for future women in space exploration. Her achievement was a significant milestone in the field of space exploration and inspired many women to pursue careers in STEM fields.
2.
Which groundbreaking feminist author wrote "The Second Sex"?
Answer:
Simone de Beauvoir
Explanation:
Simone de Beauvoir wrote "The Second Sex" which is considered a groundbreaking feminist work that explores the treatment of women throughout history and in society. Beauvoir's work challenged traditional views on gender and sexuality, sparking important discussions on women's rights and equality.
3.
Who was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?
Answer:
Margaret Thatcher
Explanation:
Margaret Thatcher was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, serving from 1979 to 1990. She was a prominent figure in British politics and known for her conservative policies and leadership style. Thatcher's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant economic and social reforms, earning her the nickname "Iron Lady" for her strong-willed and uncompromising approach to governance. Her election as Prime Minister in 1979 was a historic moment in British history, breaking barriers for women in politics.
4.
What was the name of the first female US Supreme Court Justice?
Answer:
Sandra Day O'Connor
Explanation:
Sandra Day O'Connor was the first female US Supreme Court Justice, appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. She served on the Court for over 24 years, making history as a trailblazer for women in the legal profession. Her tenure was marked by her moderate conservative views and her role as a swing vote on many important cases.
5.
Which female activist is known for her work in the Civil Rights Movement?
Answer:
Rosa Parks
Explanation:
Rosa Parks is known for her pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, specifically for her refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. This act of civil disobedience sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and became a symbol of the fight against racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. Parks' bravery and determination inspired countless others to join the struggle for equality and justice.
6.
What was the name of the first woman to sail solo around the world?
Answer:
Kay Cottee
Explanation:
Kay Cottee was the first woman to sail solo around the world, achieving this remarkable feat in 1988. She embarked on her journey aboard a 37-foot yacht named "Blackmores First Lady" and completed the circumnavigation in 189 days. Cottee's courage, determination, and skill as a sailor made her a trailblazer for women in the world of sailing and inspired many others to follow in her footsteps.
7.
What was the name of the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for fiction?
Answer:
Willa Cather
Explanation:
Willa Cather was the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1923 for her novel "One of Ours." Her writing was praised for its vivid depiction of life on the American frontier and its exploration of themes such as the immigrant experience and the changing landscape of the American Midwest. Cather's work continues to be celebrated for its lyrical prose and deep insights into the human condition.
8.
Who was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature?
Answer:
Pearl S. Buck
Explanation:
Pearl S. Buck was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938. She was recognized for her rich and truly epic descriptions of peasant life in China and for her biographical masterpieces. Buck's work often focused on the lives of Chinese peasants and women, shedding light on their struggles and triumphs in a way that captivated readers around the world.
9.
What was the name of the first woman to receive a PhD in the US?
Answer:
Helen Magill
Explanation:
Helen Magill was the first woman to receive a PhD in the US, earning her doctorate in Greek from Boston University in 1877. Her accomplishment paved the way for other women to pursue higher education and academic careers, breaking gender barriers in the academic world.
10.
Who was the first female U.S. Senator?
Answer:
Rebecca Latimer Felton
Explanation:
Rebecca Latimer Felton was the first female U.S. Senator because she was appointed to fill a vacant seat in 1922, becoming the first woman to serve in the United States Senate. Felton's brief tenure paved the way for future female senators and marked a significant milestone in the history of women's political representation in the United States.
11.
What was the name of the women's suffrage organization led by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton?
Answer:
The National Woman Suffrage Association
Explanation:
Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton led the National Woman Suffrage Association, which was a prominent organization advocating for women's right to vote. The NWSA was known for its tireless efforts in promoting equality and suffrage for women, and played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement in the United States.
12.
What was the name of the movement that advocated for women's right to own property and control their own earnings?
Answer:
The Property Rights Movement
Explanation:
The Property Rights Movement advocated for women's right to own property and control their own earnings, seeking to empower women economically and legally. By fighting for the ability to own property and manage their finances independently, this movement aimed to grant women autonomy and financial security.
13.
What was the name of the women's suffrage organization led by Alice Paul?
Answer:
The National Woman's Party
Explanation:
Alice Paul led the National Woman's Party, a women's suffrage organization that was known for its militant tactics in the fight for women's right to vote. The organization played a crucial role in the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote.
14.
What was the name of the book published in that argued for women's suffrage?
Answer:
"The Woman's Bible" by Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Explanation:
"The Woman's Bible" by Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a book published in that argued for women's suffrage. Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement and her book challenged traditional interpretations of the Bible that were used to justify the subordination of women. The book was a significant contribution to the feminist movement and sparked important discussions about gender equality and women's rights.
15.
Who was the first woman to serve as a US Cabinet Secretary?
Answer:
Frances Perkins
Explanation:
Frances Perkins was the first woman to serve as a US Cabinet Secretary, appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933. She served as the Secretary of Labor and played a key role in shaping New Deal policies during the Great Depression. Perkins was a trailblazer for women in government and made significant contributions to labor rights and social welfare in the United States.
16.
What was the name of the women's suffrage organization founded in 0?
Answer:
The National American Woman Suffrage Association
Explanation:
The National American Woman Suffrage Association was founded in 1890 to advocate for women's right to vote. It was a key organization in the suffrage movement in the United States, working towards achieving voting rights for women through lobbying, organizing campaigns, and raising public awareness.
17.
What was the name of the first female computer programmer?
Answer:
Ada Lovelace
Explanation:
Ada Lovelace is considered the first female computer programmer because she wrote an algorithm for Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. Her work on the Analytical Engine included creating the first algorithm designed to be processed by a machine, making her a pioneer in the field of computer programming. Lovelace's contributions to computing were significant and groundbreaking, solidifying her place in history as the first female computer programmer.
18.
Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in Chemistry?
Answer:
Marie Curie
Explanation:
Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her discovery of the elements polonium and radium. She was awarded the prize in 1911 for her groundbreaking research in the field of radioactivity, making her a pioneer in the field of chemistry and a trailblazer for women in science.
19.
What was the name of the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in Physics?
Answer:
Maria GoeppertMayer
Explanation:
Maria Goeppert-Mayer was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in Physics for her work on the nuclear shell structure of atomic nuclei. She shared the 1963 Nobel Prize with J. Hans D. Jensen and Eugene Wigner for their contributions to the understanding of the structure of atomic nuclei and their interactions. Her groundbreaking research paved the way for future advancements in the field of physics.
20.
Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine?
Answer:
Gerty Cori
Explanation:
Gerty Cori was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her groundbreaking research on the metabolism of glycogen. Her work with her husband, Carl Cori, led to the discovery of the Cori cycle, which explains how glycogen is broken down and resynthesized in the body. Gerty Cori's contributions to science paved the way for future generations of female scientists and solidified her place in history as a trailblazing researcher in the field of biochemistry.
21.
What was the name of the first woman to win the Turing Award?
Answer:
Frances Allen
Explanation:
Frances Allen was the first woman to win the Turing Award for her groundbreaking work in the field of computer science, specifically for her contributions to the development of optimizing compiler techniques. Her achievements in the field have paved the way for future generations of women in computer science and have solidified her place as a trailblazer in the industry.
22.
Who was the first woman to break the sound barrier in an airplane?
Answer:
Jacqueline Cochran
Explanation:
Jacqueline Cochran was the first woman to break the sound barrier in an airplane, achieving this milestone on May 18, 1953. She was a pioneering aviator who set numerous records and was instrumental in opening up opportunities for women in aviation. Cochran's determination and skill paved the way for future generations of female pilots to push boundaries and achieve new heights in the field of aviation.
23.
Who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean?
Answer:
Amelia Earhart
Explanation:
Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, achieving this historic feat in 1932. Earhart was a pioneering aviator who broke barriers for women in aviation and set multiple records during her career. Her courage, skill, and determination made her a trailblazer in the field of aviation, inspiring generations of women to pursue their dreams of flying.
24.
What was the name of the first female astronaut to walk in space?
Answer:
Svetlana Savitskaya
Explanation:
Svetlana Savitskaya became the first female astronaut to walk in space in 1984 during her mission on the Soyuz T-12. She made history by conducting an EVA (extravehicular activity) outside the Salyut 7 space station. Savitskaya's achievement paved the way for future female astronauts to participate in spacewalks and further contribute to space exploration.
25.
Who was the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics?
Answer:
Elinor Ostrom
Explanation:
Elinor Ostrom was the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics for her groundbreaking work in economic governance, particularly in the field of common pool resource management. Her research challenged conventional economic theories and highlighted the importance of collective action and community-based solutions to address environmental and social issues. Ostrom's contributions have had a lasting impact on the field of economics and have inspired further research in areas such as sustainable development and resource management.
26.
What was the name of the first female director to win an Academy Award?
Answer:
Kathryn Bigelow
Explanation:
Kathryn Bigelow made history by becoming the first female director to win an Academy Award. Her achievement broke barriers in the film industry and paved the way for more opportunities for women in the field of directing. Her film "The Hurt Locker" won Best Picture at the 82nd Academy Awards, solidifying her place in cinematic history.
27.
What was the name of the first female artist to have a solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York?
Answer:
Louise Bourgeois
Explanation:
Louise Bourgeois was the first female artist to have a solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. She was a pioneering artist known for her innovative sculptures and installations that explored themes of feminism, sexuality, and the human experience. Bourgeois' groundbreaking exhibition at MoMA in 1982 marked a significant milestone in the recognition of female artists in the art world.
28.
Who was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Peace?
Answer:
Aurobindo Ghose
Explanation:
Aurobindo Ghose was not the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Peace. The correct answer should have been Bertha von Suttner, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905 for her work as a peace activist and author.
29.
What was the name of the first female conductor to lead a major symphony orchestra?
Answer:
Marin Alsop
Explanation:
Marin Alsop made history as the first female conductor to lead a major symphony orchestra, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Her talent, dedication, and passion for music allowed her to achieve this significant milestone, inspiring future generations of female conductors to pursue their dreams in the classical music world.
30.
Who was the first female composer to win a Grammy Award?
Answer:
Nadia Boulanger
Explanation:
Nadia Boulanger was the first female composer to win a Grammy Award due to her significant contributions to the world of music and her pioneering work in the field of composition. Her talent and dedication to her craft earned her this prestigious recognition, paving the way for future female composers to receive recognition for their work in the music industry.
31.
What was the name of the first female journalist to win a Pulitzer Prize?
Answer:
Nellie Bly
Explanation:
Nellie Bly was the first female journalist to win a Pulitzer Prize for her investigative reporting and pioneering journalism. She is known for her groundbreaking work in the field of journalism, particularly her expose on the conditions of mental institutions in the late 19th century. Bly's fearless and determined approach to reporting set her apart and paved the way for future generations of female journalists.
32.
What was the name of the first female sculptor to win the Prix de Rome?
Answer:
Anna Klumpke
Explanation:
Anna Klumpke was the first female sculptor to win the Prix de Rome. She was a talented artist who achieved recognition for her work in a male-dominated field. Her victory in the prestigious competition marked a significant milestone in the history of art, breaking barriers for women in the field of sculpture.
33.
Who was the first female dancer to be promoted to prima ballerina at the Bolshoi Ballet?
Answer:
Galina Ulanova
Explanation:
Galina Ulanova was the first female dancer to be promoted to prima ballerina at the Bolshoi Ballet due to her exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work. She was known for her expressive performances, technical precision, and emotional depth, which set her apart from other dancers of her time. Her promotion to prima ballerina was a significant milestone in her career and solidified her legacy as one of the greatest ballerinas in history.
34.
What was the name of the first female writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature?
Answer:
Pearl S. Buck
Explanation:
Pearl S. Buck was the first female writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. She was awarded the prestigious prize in 1938 for her rich and truly epic descriptions of peasant life in China and for her biographical masterpieces. Buck's work often focused on the lives of Chinese peasants and women, bringing attention to their struggles and triumphs in a way that resonated with readers around the world. Her unique perspective and powerful storytelling made her a deserving recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature.
35.
Who was the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company?
Answer:
Katharine Graham
Explanation:
Katharine Graham became the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company when she took over as the head of the Washington Post Company in 1972. She played a pivotal role in transforming the company into a successful multimedia corporation, breaking barriers for women in the business world. Her leadership and determination paved the way for future generations of women to hold top executive positions in major companies.
36.
What was the name of the first female billionaire in the United States?
Answer:
Hetty Green
Explanation:
Hetty Green was the first female billionaire in the United States due to her successful investments in real estate, railroads, and government bonds. She was known for her frugal lifestyle and shrewd business acumen, which allowed her to amass a significant fortune during a time when women were not commonly involved in the business world. Her financial success and savvy investment decisions set her apart as a trailblazer for women in the world of finance and business.
37.
Who was the first female CEO of a major Wall Street bank?
Answer:
Carla Harris
Explanation:
Carla Harris was the first female CEO of a major Wall Street bank. She made history by breaking the glass ceiling and becoming a trailblazer in the finance industry. Harris's achievements and leadership skills paved the way for more women to aspire to top positions in the traditionally male-dominated world of banking and finance.
38.
What was the name of the first female CEO of a major airline?
Answer:
Colleen Barrett
Explanation:
Colleen Barrett was the first female CEO of a major airline, serving as the President and CEO of Southwest Airlines. She played a significant role in the success and growth of the airline, working closely with co-founder Herb Kelleher to establish Southwest's unique corporate culture and customer service reputation. Her leadership and dedication paved the way for more women to hold executive positions in the aviation industry.
39.
Who was the first female CEO of a major tech company?
Answer:
Meg Whitman
Explanation:
Meg Whitman was the first female CEO of a major tech company, serving as the CEO of Hewlett Packard from 2011 to 2015. Prior to this, she was the CEO of eBay from 1998 to 2008, where she played a significant role in the company's growth and success. Whitman's leadership and business acumen paved the way for more women to break into the male-dominated tech industry and inspired future generations of female leaders in technology.
40.
What was the name of the first woman to run a marathon?
Answer:
Roberta Gibb
Explanation:
Roberta Gibb was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1966, despite women being officially barred from participating at the time. She hid in the bushes near the starting line and joined the race once it began, paving the way for future generations of female marathon runners.
41.
Who was the first woman to win the Boston Marathon?
Answer:
Kathrine Switzer
Explanation:
Kathrine Switzer made history by becoming the first woman to officially run and complete the Boston Marathon in 1967. Despite attempts to remove her from the race, she persevered and paved the way for future generations of female runners to participate in the prestigious event. Her courage and determination challenged the status quo and helped break down barriers for women in the world of running.
42.
What was the name of the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in swimming?
Answer:
Fanny Durack
Explanation:
Fanny Durack was the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in swimming. She achieved this milestone at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, where she won the 100m freestyle event. Durack's victory was a significant moment in the history of women's sports, as it showcased the talent and capabilities of female athletes in the competitive world of swimming.
43.
Who was the first woman to win a Wimbledon tennis tournament?
Answer:
Lottie Dod
Explanation:
Lottie Dod was the first woman to win a Wimbledon tennis tournament in 1887 at the age of 15. She was a remarkable athlete who excelled not only in tennis but also in other sports such as golf and archery. Dod's victory at Wimbledon marked a significant milestone in women's sports history, showcasing her talent and breaking barriers for future female athletes.
44.
What was the name of the first woman to win a professional golf tournament?
Answer:
Gladys "Babe" Zaharias
Explanation:
Gladys "Babe" Zaharias was the first woman to win a professional golf tournament due to her exceptional skills and determination on the golf course. She was a trailblazer for women in the sport of golf and paved the way for future generations of female golfers. Her historic victory marked a significant milestone in the history of women's golf and solidified her place as a legendary figure in the sport.
45.
Who was the first woman to play in the Major League Baseball World Series?
Answer:
Jackie Mitchell
Explanation:
Jackie Mitchell was a pitcher who played for the Chattanooga Lookouts and became known for striking out both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in an exhibition game in 1931. While she did not play in the Major League Baseball World Series, her historic achievements in baseball as a female player have made her a significant figure in the sport's history.
46.
What was the name of the first female NASCAR driver to win a race?
Answer:
Janet Guthrie
Explanation:
Janet Guthrie was the first female NASCAR driver to win a race. She broke barriers in the male-dominated sport of racing and paved the way for future female drivers. Her victory marked a significant milestone in NASCAR history, showcasing that gender is not a limitation in achieving success on the racetrack.
47.
Who was the first woman to win the Super Bowl as a coach?
Answer:
Jen Welter
Explanation:
Jen Welter made history by becoming the first woman to win the Super Bowl as a coach. Her achievement broke gender barriers in the world of football coaching and paved the way for more women to pursue coaching roles in the sport. Welter's success highlighted the importance of diversity and representation in traditionally male-dominated fields like professional football.
48.
What was the name of the first woman to compete in the Olympic Games?
Answer:
Stamata Revithi
Explanation:
Stamata Revithi was the first woman to compete in the Olympic Games, participating in the 1896 Athens Olympics. She ran the marathon course on her own, as women were not allowed to officially compete at that time. Her determination and pioneering spirit paved the way for future female athletes to participate in the Olympic Games.
49.
Who was the first woman to win the Olympic gold medal in the marathon?
Answer:
Joan Benoit Samuelson
Explanation:
Joan Benoit Samuelson made history by becoming the first woman to win the Olympic gold medal in the marathon at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. She set a new Olympic record with her impressive performance, solidifying her place in the history of women's marathon running.
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