Women's Day 2025: Top 10 Records Held by Women in Science, Politics, Sports and Others

As the world celebrates Women's Day 2025, it is important to recognize and honour the remarkable achievements of women in different fields. From science and politics to sports and beyond, women have continuously displayed strength and broken barriers to set new records. Women around the world are an inspiration for the generations to come. Here are ten notable records held by women that showcase their extraordinary contributions.

1. Peggy Whitson: Record-Breaking Astronaut

In 2017, NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson made history by spending the most total days in space of any NASA astronaut, whether male or female. Her incredible dedication, hard work, and passion for space exploration helped her achieve this remarkable milestone. 

Throughout her career, she has inspired many people and paved the way for future astronauts to follow in her footsteps. Her achievements continue to motivate the next generation of space explorers and scientists, showing that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. NASA mentions: “NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson holds the cumulative days in space record at 675 days.”

2. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: First Female Director-General of the WTO

In 2021, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made history by becoming the first woman and the first African to serve as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Her leadership marked a significant milestone in international trade and diplomacy. The World Trade Organisation states: “Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the seventh Director-General of the WTO. She took office on 1 March 2021, becoming the first woman and the first African to serve as Director-General. Her term of office will expire on 31 August 2025. On 29 November 2024, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was reappointed as Director-General for a second four-year term, set to begin on 1 September 2025.”

3. Kiran Bedi: Breaking Barriers in Law Enforcement and Social Reform

Kiran Bedi, born in 1949, made history as India’s first female police officer, breaking barriers in law enforcement and paving the way for women in the Indian Police Service (IPS). Her leadership and dedication to justice redefined the role of women in policing and public service.

One of her most significant contributions was in prison reform. As the Inspector General of Tihar Jail, she introduced rehabilitation programs that focused on education, skill development, and meditation for inmates. Her efforts transformed the prison system, making her approach a model for correctional facilities across the country.

Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for government service.

4. Simone Biles: The Most Decorated American Gymnast   

Simone Biles stands as the most decorated gymnast in history, having earned an unparalleled total of 41 Olympic and World Championship medals. Her achievements include six World All-Around titles, making her the only gymnast, alongside Japan's Kōhei Uchimura, to hold such a record. At the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Biles captivated the world by securing four gold medals in team, all-around, vault, and floor exercises, along with a bronze on the balance beam.

5. Kamala Harris: First Female Vice President of the United States

In 2021, Kamala Harris made history by being sworn in as the first female Vice President of the United States, marking a significant milestone in American politics. Her achievement not only shattered a centuries-old glass ceiling but also made her the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history. As the daughter of immigrant parents—her mother from India and her father from Jamaica—her journey to the White House is a testament to perseverance, representation, and the changing landscape of leadership in the country.

6. Arundhati Roy: A Literary Trailblazer and Activist

Arundhati Roy, born in 1961, is a celebrated Indian author and activist known for her fearless voice and literary brilliance. She made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the prestigious Man Booker Prize, a milestone that cemented her place in the global literary landscape.

Roy's debut novel, The God of Small Things (1997) won the Man Booker Prize, making her the first Indian woman to receive this honor. The novel captivated readers worldwide with its lyrical storytelling and profound themes of love, loss, and social injustice.

Beyond her literary accomplishments, Roy has been a passionate activist, advocating against globalization, environmental destruction, and human rights violations. Her unwavering commitment to social justice has made her a powerful voice in global discourse.

7. Gina Haspel: First Female CIA Director

In 2018, Gina Haspel was appointed as the first female Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the United States, breaking a significant glass ceiling in the intelligence community.

8. Irom Sharmila: The Iron Lady of Manipur and Her Fight for Justice

Irom Sharmila, born in 1972, is a civil rights activist from Manipur, known for her unwavering commitment to justice and human rights. She made history with her 16-year-long hunger strike, one of the longest in the world, to protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)—a law that grants special powers to the military in conflict zones. Her protest brought global attention to human rights violations in India’s northeast.

Sharmila’s efforts have been recognized internationally, earning her the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights. Often compared to Mahatma Gandhi for her commitment to nonviolent resistance, she remains a symbol of resilience and courage in the fight for human rights and dignity.

9. Nathalie McGloin: A Trailblazer in Motorsports

Nathalie McGloin's life changed forever after a car accident left her paralyzed from the chest down at a young age. Following spinal surgery, her perspective on life shifted, leading her to embrace new challenges with determination. Before her accident, she had no interest in car racing, but she later proved that with perseverance, anything is possible. She made history as the first female tetraplegic to receive a racing license, breaking barriers in both disability and gender representation in motorsports.

10. A Late Passion for Adventure: The Inspiring Story of Rut Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson

Rut Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson found her love for skydiving and parachuting at the remarkable age of 90. Instead of seeing age as a limit, she set a bold goal—to become the world's oldest tandem parachute jumper. In 2022, at the age of 103, she achieved this incredible milestone, proving that it is never too late to chase dreams. Her entire family gathered to witness her historic jump, eagerly waiting for her safe landing. Their pride and admiration for her courage were evident, making the moment even more special.

In conclusion, these remarkable women have set new standards and continue to inspire future generations through their groundbreaking achievements. As we honour Women's Day 2025, let's celebrate their legacies and the ongoing contributions of women globally.

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