On International Women’s Day, we often celebrate trailblazing women—astronauts, political leaders, and scientists—who shattered barriers in their respective fields. But some women in history did not just break glass ceilings; they were the first person, regardless of gender, to achieve something remarkable.
Today, we would like to highlight three such women: a scholar who founded the world’s first university, a writer who penned the first novel, and a scientist who remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences. Their contributions shaped the worlds of education, literature, and science, leaving legacies that continue to inspire generations.
Founded by Fatima al-Fihri, the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco, is the world's oldest university. © R Prazeres via Wikimedia Commons
Fatima al-Fihri: Founder of the world’s first university
Think of the world's oldest university and the grand halls of Oxford or Bologna might come to mind. But the University of al-Qarawiyyin, the world's oldest continuously operating degree-granting institution, was actually founded in 859 CE in Fez, Morocco, thanks to the vision and investment of Fatima al-Fihri.
Al-Fihri was born into a wealthy family, but instead of using her inheritance for personal luxury, she dedicated it to building a mosque, which, like many mosques in the Islamic world, provided religious and secular education. Her mosque became a hub for scholars from across the Muslim world and beyond, attracting students who would go on to make significant contributions in fields such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy.
Notable historical figures, including the philosopher Averroes and the Jewish scholar Maimonides, are believed to have studied at or been influenced by the knowledge circulating within al-Qarawiyyin. Today, the university continues to function as a respected institution of higher learning, embodying Fatima al-Fihri’s legacy of education and intellectual pursuit.
"The Tale of Genji" by Japanese courtier Murasaki Shikibu is considered by scholar to be the first novel ever written. © Yashima Gakutei via Wikimedia Commons
Murasaki Shikibu: The world’s first novelist
Over a thousand years ago, a Japanese noblewoman named Murasaki Shikibu wrote what is widely considered the world’s first novel: The Tale of Genji. Completed around the year 1000 CE, this literary masterpiece set the standard for character development, narrative complexity, and psychological depth—elements that define modern fiction.
Murasaki was a lady-in-waiting at the imperial court during Japan’s Heian period, a time when women were often discouraged from scholarly pursuits. However, she was exceptionally well-educated, having secretly learned classical Chinese—then considered the language of serious literature—by observing her brother’s lessons. Her deep knowledge of court life and human nature enabled her to craft The Tale of Genji, a story that follows the life, loves, and intrigues of its titular character, Prince Genji.
Unlike earlier works of storytelling, which were often collections of myths or poetry, The Tale of Genji is a fully realised novel with a central protagonist, a large cast of characters, and intricate emotional and social dynamics. The novel’s influence spread beyond Japan, shaping narrative traditions worldwide. To this day, it remains a subject of literary study and admiration, proving that Murasaki Shikibu’s pioneering work was truly ahead of its time.
Taken at the Solvay Conference in 1927, Marie Curie sits among male scientists as the only researcher to have won Nobel Prizes in two separate disciplines. © Benjamin Couprie via Wikimedia Commons
Marie Curie: The only person to win Nobel Prizes in two sciences
Marie Curie’s name is synonymous with scientific excellence. Born in Poland in 1867, she became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in 1903 for her work in physics. She then went on to win the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1911, making her the only person ever to have won Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields.
Curie’s groundbreaking research on radioactivity (a term she coined) led to the discovery of two new elements, polonium and radium. Her work revolutionised medicine, paving the way for radiation therapy as a treatment for cancer. Despite facing immense obstacles as a woman in science, she persevered, conducting experiments under challenging conditions and often facing resistance from the male-dominated academic world.
Her second Nobel Prize, awarded in chemistry, recognised her achievements in isolating pure radium and advancing the understanding of radioactive elements. Curie’s dedication to science extended beyond the laboratory—during World War I, she developed mobile X-ray units, known as “Little Curies,” to help wounded soldiers on the battlefield.
Curie’s legacy is not just her scientific discoveries but also the opportunities she created for women in STEM. Her daughter, Irène Joliot-Curie, followed in her footsteps, winning a Nobel Prize in Chemistry, further cementing the Curie family’s extraordinary impact on science.
Unlocking women's history
Fatima al-Fihri, Murasaki Shikibu, and Marie Curie each achieved something unprecedented—not just as women, but as individuals. Their contributions continue to shape the fields of education, literature, and science, proving that determination, intellect, and vision know no gender.
For far too long, history's narrative has been dominated by men's voices. Accessing historical documents, often a laborious and time-consuming task, meant prioritising what was readily available, inadvertently silencing the stories of marginalised groups. But the tide is turning.
Tools like Transkribus are revolutionising historical research by making digitisation and transcription accessible to all. Picture this: the vibrant diaries of feminist activists, the poignant records of women working as street sweepers — their stories, once hidden in dusty archives, are now being brought to light. Transkribus isn't just about digitising documents; it's about democratising history, revealing fresh perspectives and enriching our understanding of the past for everyone.
You can find out more about how to use Transkribus to unlock your documents on our website, in our Help Center, or on our YouTube channel.
