Seven OG Female Motivators#personaldevelopment#lifecoaching

 

Is there a shortage of inspirational female motivational speakers out there, historically, I mean? Well yes and no. There are many examples but to find them we need to dig a little is all. There are those who are practically household names such as Helen Keller, and those who operated further behind the curtain, such as Louise Hay.

(above Louise Hay: Hay House)

Where powerful words have the potential to inspire and transform lives, a noticeable disparity exists in the recognition accorded to female speakers compared to their male counterparts.

Despite the profound impact and contributions of female motivational speakers throughout the 20th century, the question arises: Why aren't these women as widely recognized as their male counterparts?

Five main reasons shed light on this discrepancy:

Historical Gender Norms: Deep-rooted historical gender norms have long dictated societal expectations and perceptions. Traditional roles often relegated women to supporting roles rather than putting them in the spotlight. Consequently, female motivational speakers faced uphill battles in gaining recognition as societal biases played a role in downplaying their influence.

Limited Representation in Leadership Roles: The scarcity of women in leadership roles historically has contributed to a lack of female voices in the motivational speaking arena. With fewer women at the helm of organisations and institutions, the opportunities for female speakers to rise to prominence and gain visibility have been constrained.

Perceived Audience Preferences: Stereotypes about audience preferences play a role in shaping who gets recognized in the motivational speaking sphere. There's a pervasive belief that certain motivational messages are better received from male speakers, reinforcing gender biases and hindering the recognition of equally powerful messages delivered by women.

Media Bias and Visibility: Media bias has also played a role in perpetuating the under-recognition of female motivational speakers. The media has historically focused more on male figures, amplifying their voices and stories while inadvertently sidelining those of their female counterparts. This lack of media visibility directly impacts the recognition and influence these women could otherwise command.

Unequal Opportunities: Unequal opportunities for women in various professional spheres have a cascading effect on their visibility as motivational speakers. Limited access to platforms, networks, and resources constrains the ability of female speakers to reach wider audiences and establish themselves as prominent figures in the field.

While these reasons illuminate the challenges faced by female motivational speakers, it is crucial to recognize the strides made in recent years. As societal perspectives evolve, there is hope for a more inclusive future that celebrates and acknowledges the impactful contributions of motivational speakers, regardless of gender.

Here are seven OG female Motivators

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962): The former First Lady of the United States, Roosevelt wrote extensively on personal growth, human rights, and equality, motivating and inspiring many.

Dorothy Carnegie (1883–1967): The wife of Dale Carnegie, Dorothy played a significant role in the development of the Dale Carnegie Course and continued contributing to the field after her husband's death.

Helen Gurley Brown (1922–2012): Best known for her book "Sex and the Single Girl" (1962), Brown's work encouraged women to embrace independence and pursue success in various aspects of their lives.

Oprah Winfrey (born 1954): A media mogul and television host, Oprah's influential talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," provided a platform for motivational discussions and interviews, making her a powerful force in the self-help and personal development space.

Louise Hay (1926–2017): Founder of Hay House, Louise Hay was an influential author with her book "You Can Heal Your Life" (1984), which emphasized the mind-body connection and became a bestseller.

Maya Angelou (1928–2014): A renowned poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou's autobiographical works and poems often carried motivational and empowering messages.

Zina D. H. Young (1868–1931): A motivational speaker and writer, Zina D. H. Young addressed women's issues and empowerment in the early 20th century, advocating for education and personal development. These women played crucial roles in shaping the landscape of motivational speaking and personal development literature in the 20th century.

(So yo know: I used AI to assist with this article as I slept in this morning!)