Whether these famous females were inventors, scientists, leaders, politicians, or literal Queens, these 12 strong women undeniably changed the world for the better. The famous women in this list are remembered for being the rule-breakers and pioneers that showed their male peers what it means to be role models. The OG rom-com queen, Jane Austen defined an entire literary genre with her shrewd social observations and wit. Born into a family of eight children in England, Austen started writing her now classic novels, such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility , in her teens. Her literary influence remains and the themes and lessons from her novels still hold up today. A 12 year old Anne Frank doing her homework.