These 50 women pursued their ambitions and achieved their dreams—even when the world tried to tell them they shouldn’t. They enjoyed successes and triumphs, dealt with tragedies and ordeals, and lived lives as thrilling and moving as a great novel. Ranging from artists, designers, and actresses to entrepreneurs, scientists, and activists, the women include Maria Montessori, Amelia Earhart, Coco Chanel, Simone de Beauvoir, Rosa Parks, Eva Perón, Josephine Baker, Jane Goodall, and Malala Yousafzai.