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30 Iconic Female Duos in History

Women haven’t marched alone in history. Together, they have ignited revolutions, pushed limits, and soared on the wings of shared ambitions. These are the tales of those legendary pairs of women.

Mothers and daughters who broke down barriers in science, authors who reinterpreted the term “heroine,” activists who ignited movements for social justice, and artists who changed the face of culture.

These duos defied expectations everywhere they went—from boardrooms to laboratories, from battlefields to Broadway—and left their marks not only on their respective areas but also on the collective human psyche.

Prepare to meet the women who dared to dream together, for they discovered a force greater than any one flame in their relationship.

1. Marie Curie and Irène Joliot-Curie

The revolutionary physicist and chemist Marie Curie, along with her daughter Irène Joliot-Curie, made significant advances in our knowledge of radioactivity. Radium and polonium were discovered by Marie Curie, the first woman to earn a Nobel Prize and the only person to win a Nobel Prize in two separate scientific domains.

Irène, who inherited her mother’s success, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for creating artificial radioactivity. Together, they carried out innovative nuclear physics research that paved the way for the creation of X-ray equipment and improved medical procedures.

The Curie mother-daughter team is still remembered today because they are legends in the history of science.

2. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Prominent American women’s suffrage activists Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton developed a strong alliance that propelled the 19th-century struggle for women’s rights. Stanton was a prolific writer and philosopher who worked closely with Anthony, a gifted organizer and speaker. They joined forces to create the National Woman Suffrage Association, which promoted women’s voting rights.

Their decades-long, ceaseless efforts included books, speeches, and lobbying. Stanton led the nation intellectually, but Anthony tirelessly traveled the nation advocating for equality and suffrage. The 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, was eventually passed in 1920 as a result of its enduring impact.

3. Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok

The pioneering First Lady and humanitarian Eleanor Roosevelt had a close and powerful relationship with journalist Lorena Hickok. Their strong emotional bond went beyond friendship to become a source of support for each of the women. Hickok served as Roosevelt’s confidante and offered political advice, while Roosevelt supported social justice initiatives.

Their relationship had a significant influence on Roosevelt’s support of women’s rights, civil rights, and New Deal initiatives. Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok’s cooperation, despite the social restraints of the time, represented the junction of political and personal dynamics and left a lasting impression on American history.

4. Amelia Earhart and Jacqueline Cochran

The history of flight was forever altered by the pioneering efforts of two aviators: Amelia Earhart and Jacqueline Cochran. Known for her solo transatlantic flight and her attempts at circumnavigating the world, Amelia Earhart encouraged many women to go into aviation. In the meantime, Jacqueline Cochran broke gender stereotypes in a field that was dominated by men.

She was a record-breaking pilot and the first woman to break the sound barrier. During World War II, both ladies were instrumental in the program for ladies Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), which Cochran led. In addition to advancing aviation technology, their bravery, aptitude, and tenacity shaped aviation history by opening the door for a new generation of female pilots.

5. Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King

Renowned American civil rights activists Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King both made significant contributions to the fight for racial equality. A turning point in the fight against segregation was the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which Rosa Parks started in 1955 when she refused to give up her bus seat.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s wife, Coretta Scott King, became a fervent supporter of social justice, peace, and civil rights. Following her husband’s murder, she carried on their joint vision by establishing the King Center and putting in endless effort to advance equality.

Together, Parks and King have left a lasting legacy of unyielding commitment to justice and equality.

6. Jane Austen and her sister Cassandra

 Throughout her life, the renowned English novelist Jane Austen had a close and personal relationship with her sister Cassandra. As Jane’s penmanship created classic novels such as “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility,” Cassandra acted as a confidante and a loyal friend.

The letters they exchanged that have survived attest to their intimate bond. Cassandra’s understanding and support were very important to Jane’s creative process.

The sisters managed to live together despite the difficulties of the Regency period, creating a lasting legacy. Readers are still enthralled by Jane’s writings, and the relationship between these sisters is proof positive of the strength of lifelong family ties.

7. Anne Sullivan and Hellen Keller

The remarkable bond between Anne Sullivan and Hellen Keller became a symbol of fortitude and victory over hardship. Sullivan, a devoted teacher, took on the task of instructing Keller when he lost his hearing and vision as a baby.

Keller’s sensory isolation was overcome by Sullivan using her creative techniques, such as finger spelling. “The Miracle Worker,” a drama and film that chronicles the remarkable journey of the team, immortalizes their inspiring narrative.

After graduating from college, Keller went on to write extensively and support others with disabilities. Sullivan’s steadfast commitment to realizing Keller’s potential changed the face of visually impaired schooling.

8. Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance

The dynamic pair from the beloved television program “I Love Lucy,” Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance, forged an era-defining comedic connection unmatched in comedy. With her perfect timing and hilarious brilliance, Lucille—as the crazy redhead Lucy Ricardo—and Vivian, her closest friend Ethel Mertz, made millions of people laugh.

Gender stereotypes of the time were challenged by their on-screen companionship, which mirrored their off-screen connection. Ball’s slapstick humor and Vance’s razor-sharp wit combined to create an enduring emblem of female empowerment and camaraderie.

Together, they transformed the television comedy genre and irrevocably altered the course of entertainment history with their classic performances and enduring influence.

9. Laverne Cox and Janet Mock 

Transgender activists Laverne Cox and Janet Mock are well-known for having made substantial progress in the visibility and rights of the transgender community. Laverne Cox, who won praise for her performance in “Orange Is the New Black,” has devoted her life to promoting the rights of transgender people and their inclusion in the entertainment sector.

Author and television producer Janet Mock has challenged social standards and promoted understanding by using her position to highlight the difficulties that transgender people face. Both ladies have made significant contributions to the discourse on acceptance and equality by breaking down boundaries in media representation and relentlessly advocating for transgender rights. 

10. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen

The twin sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who became well-known as young actors, had a smooth transition into becoming successful businesswomen and style icons. After becoming well-known from their combined appearances in TV series such as “Full House,” they co-founded Dualstar Entertainment Group and went on to produce several hit films and products.

As they made the move into the fashion sector, they established highly regarded premium labels like Elizabeth and James and The Row, establishing their reputation as significant designers.

The Olsen twins’ transformation from young celebrities to successful businesswomen demonstrates their adaptability and business savvy, and they have had a lasting impact on the entertainment and fashion sectors for more than thirty years.

11. Suffragette Pankhurst sisters

The three Pankhurst sisters—Emmeline, Christabel, and Sylvia—became strong figures in the British suffragette movement and devoted their lives to promoting women’s voting rights.

Christabel played a pivotal role as a strategist when Emmeline, the matriarch, established the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903. Their aggressive strategies, including protests and hunger strikes, advanced the suffrage movement. Sylvia, an activist and artist, was also instrumental.

The Pankhursts collectively pushed boundaries and sparked societal change despite using different techniques. A major step toward universal suffrage in 1928, the conclusion of their efforts in 1918 saw certain British women granted the ability to vote.

12. Serena and Venus Williams

With their unmatched accomplishments and athleticism, tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams have made a lasting impression on the game. The younger sibling, Serena, is a formidable and energetic player who has won an incredible amount of Grand Slam titles. Venus, a previous trailblazer, used her athleticism and grace to help revolutionize women’s tennis.

Together, they transformed the sport by competing against one another in multiple Grand Slam finals and winning multiple doubles Olympic gold medals. The Williams sisters have inspired generations of athletes worldwide with their social justice and gender equality activism in addition to their on-court domination.

13. Abigail Adams and Mercy Otis Warren

Two influential people in early American history, Abigail Adams and Mercy Otis Warren, were crucial in promoting women’s freedom and rights.

John Adams’s wife, Abigail, wrote several well-respected letters advising him to “remember the ladies” when drafting the laws of the new nation. Playwright and historian Mercy Otis Warren also made significant contributions in favor of American independence.

Both women participated in political discourse and questioned the social mores of the day. Abigail and Mercy left a long history as the first advocates of liberty and female empowerment during the American Revolution, thanks to their academic accomplishments and appeals for equality that paved the way for later conversations on women’s rights.

14. Coco Chanel and Jeanne Devolle

The famous fashion designer Coco Chanel and her close friend Jeanne Devolle had a mutually beneficial working relationship that helped modern fashion develop. Chanel is recognized for her classic designs and for being the pioneer of the little black dress. She was an innovator in the industry.

Despite being sometimes eclipsed by Chanel’s notoriety, Devolle was important in both the commercial success of Chanel and the execution of her artistic vision. Their partnership established Chanel’s lasting legacy in haute couture and shaped the 20th-century fashion scene, demonstrating the marriage of creativity and business ability.

15. The Brontë Sisters

As three of the most influential writers of the 19th century, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë are known for their ageless and deep writings. Charlotte, well-known for “Jane Eyre,” investigated gender norms and female autonomy.

Through the eerie “Wuthering Heights,” Emily explored the intricacies of romantic love. Through “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall,” Anne used a feminist perspective to confront societal issues.

The sisters made a lasting impact on English literature even though they had to overcome obstacles to their pseudonymous publication because of gender preconceptions. Their distinctive voices, which tackle issues of identity, love, and social conventions, never cease to enthrall readers and influence the canon of great literature.

16. The Pointer Sisters

The Pointer Sisters—June, Anita, Ruth, and Bonnie—became well-known in the music business as a dynamic and adaptable vocal quartet. They won four Grammy Awards and received global recognition for their tasteful fusion of pop, soul, and R&B.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Anita’s seductive vocals, Ruth’s powerful delivery, Bonnie’s adaptable range, and June’s expressive contributions combined to create a distinctive sound that ruled the charts. Songs like “Jump (For My Love)” and “I’m So Excited” demonstrated their contagious energy.

The Pointer Sisters are considered one of the greatest vocal groups in music history because of their enduring legacy and chart-topping popularity, which are a reflection of their creativity and impact.

17. The Andrews Sisters

The tight harmonies and contagious enthusiasm of the Andrews Sisters—Patty, Maxene, and LaVerne—captivated audiences during the swing era and helped to define its soundscape.

During World War II, they provided entertainment for American troops and became closely associated with the USO, thanks to their popular songs like “Rum and Coca-Cola” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”

The trio’s endearing performances crossed musical boundaries as they skillfully combined jazz, boogie-woogie, and swing. Their unique combination of Patty’s lead vocals, Maxene’s high harmonies, and LaVerne’s low notes made them one of the most successful female groups in music history. 

18. Eva Perón and María Eva Duarte

María Eva Duarte and Eva Perón, often known as Evita, were important figures in Argentine politics and society. In the 1940s, Evita—the captivating spouse of President Juan Perón—rose to prominence as Argentina’s First Lady.

Well-known for her support of women’s rights, social justice, and the impoverished, she founded the Eva Perón Foundation to help the less fortunate. Born from poverty, María Eva Duarte became well-known for her roles in radio and movies before she wed Perón.

19. Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan

Remarkable legal experts Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan created history by being the first Hispanic and third and fourth female justices on the US Supreme Court, respectively.

2009 saw the appointment of Sotomayor, a federal judge with extensive expertise and a dedication to equal justice. Kagan was the first female dean of Harvard Law School and served as Solicitor General after her appointment in 2010.

Due to their significant contributions to the development of legal precedent and constitutional interpretation, both justices have contributed to the diversity of viewpoints on the bench. At the highest court in the country, Sotomayor and Kagan are models of excellence and trailblazers.

20. Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach

Soccer legends Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm made a huge impact on the U.S. Women’s National Team and left a lasting impression on the game. Two-time Olympic gold medallist Mia Hamm and FIFA World Player of the Year Abby Wambach combined to create a formidable team on the field.

Wambach’s strength and aerial supremacy were matched by Hamm’s deft playmaking and goal-scoring ability. They had notable triumphs together, like the World Cup titles in 1999 and 2015.

Beyond their accomplishments, Wambach and Hamm left an enduring legacy by inspiring a new generation of female athletes and raising the profile of women’s soccer around the world.

21. Tegan and Sara Quin

In addition to captivating the music community with their unique sound, Tegan and Sara Quin, identical twin sisters from Canada, became well-known LGBTQ+ advocates. With singles like “Closer” and “Walking with a Ghost,” they won praise for their reflective lyrics and mellow melodies and attracted attention from all around the world.

Tegan and Sara, who identify as gay openly, have been outspoken supporters of LGBTQ+ rights and have used their platform to spread awareness and inclusivity. Their foundation provides funding to programs that address LGBTQ+ concerns, having a significant impact on the music industry as well as the ongoing struggle for acceptance and equality.

22. Audre Lorde and Adrienne Rich

Pioneering poets, essayists, and campaigners Adrienne Rich and Audre Lorde have had a profound influence on feminist and civil rights literature. Black lesbian feminist Lorde studied how racism, homophobia, and identity interacted.

Renowned poet and essayist Rich explored the themes of feminism, sexuality, and humanity. Both were trailblazers in fusing their passion for social justice with their writing talents to promote activism.

Rich’s poems, such as “Diving into the Wreck,” and Lorde’s pieces, such as “The Cancer Journals,” both questioned social conventions. Generations after generation have been inspired by their potent writings, which promote knowledge and conversation on racial, gender, and social issues.

23. Lucy Stone and Susan B. Anthony

In the 19th century, two well-known leaders of the early women’s rights movement, Lucy Stone and Susan B. Anthony, fervently supported equality and the right to vote.

With a focus on peaceful activity, Stone, a skilled orator, co-founded the American Woman Suffrage Association and championed women’s rights. Anthony, a persistent activist who concentrated on a federal amendment granting women the right to vote, was a key figure in the establishment of the National Woman Suffrage Association.

Both women committed their entire lives to social reform and the subversion of discriminatory practices. The joint work of Stone and Anthony made it possible for women to vote when the 19th Amendment was eventually passed in 1920.

24. Dorothy Parker and Lillian Hellman

Early in the 20th century, two notable writers and Algonquin Round Table members, Dorothy Parker and Lillian Hellman, made a lasting impression on American literature and humor.

Parker was a poet and sharp-witted humorist who wrote for Vanity Fair and The New Yorker. Prominent playwright and screenwriter Hellman created potent pieces such as “The Children’s Hour” and “The Little Foxes.”

Their sharp wit and inventiveness were tested in the literary and intellectual Algonquin Round Table. With their enduring influence on theater, literature, and conversational art, Parker’s scathing repartee and Hellman’s perceptive observations characterized an era.

25. Thelma and Louise

In the 1991 film of the same name, Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon played the fictional characters Thelma and Louise, who became legendary in the history of film.

The film, which was directed by Ridley Scott, chronicles the life-changing adventure of two friends who drive away from social pressures. Their journey transforms into an exhilarating, feminist uprising against injustice, questioning gender norms and bringing attention to the subtleties of female friendships.

“Thelma & Louise” received positive reviews from critics and spurred conversations about feminism and freedom. The tragic yet defiant ending of the characters is still a potent representation of feminine resiliency and the quest for individuality in the face of social expectations.

26. Grace Hopper and Betty Holberton

Pioneering women in computer science Grace Hopper and Betty Holberton had a significant impact on the development of programming and technology. Rear Admiral Hopper of the Navy created the first compiler that transformed computer languages and gave rise to the phrase “debugging.”

Holberton made significant contributions to the development of software and the growth of early computer systems as a computer scientist and important ENIAC programmer. In a field dominated by men, both women broke down boundaries and had a significant influence on the development of computing.

27. Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King

Beyond their triumphs in the media, Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King, two vibrant and close friends, have a connection that goes beyond their friendship.

From their early television careers, Oprah, the legendary talk show presenter, and Gayle, the renowned journalist, have been intertwined. Their ongoing friendship has served as a platform for mutual support, inspiration, and laughing in public.

Both Oprah’s ground-breaking interviews and Gayle’s perceptive reporting have had a big impact on the media environment. In the fast-paced world of media and entertainment, their sincere connection and camaraderie remain powerful examples of the value of real connections and the strength of lifelong friendships.

28. Diana Ross and Mary Wilson

In the annals of Motown and popular music, Diana Ross and Mary Wilson, the original members of The Supremes, are legendary figures. Lead singer Ross’s captivating vocals and charisma on stage catapulted the trio to global recognition.

Wilson’s contributions and harmonies were essential to The Supremes’ accomplishments. Their classics, such as “Baby Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love,” topped the charts, making them one of Motown’s biggest acts.

Beyond their artistic accomplishments, Ross and Wilson dismantled boundaries based on race and motivated a new wave of musicians. The Supremes’ status as innovators in the Motown sound and cultural heritage is perpetuated by their influence.

29. Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole

During the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole, two trailblazing nurses, transformed healthcare and upended social standards. The “Lady with the Lamp,” Florence Nightingale, revolutionized hygienic methods and elevated the nursing profession.

Her statistical analysis revolutionized the administration of healthcare. Nurse Mary Seacole, a Jamaican, disregarded gender and racial stereotypes to tend to injured troops. Seacole endured discrimination, yet his unwavering attitude and medical knowledge had a lasting effect on patient care.

Together, Nightingale and Seacole inspire new generations of medical professionals and reflect the varied contributions made by women in the healthcare industry, changing the nursing profession.

30. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi

Celebrity pair Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are well-known for their talents in the entertainment business, but they have also become ardent supporters of LGBTQ+ rights. In a landmark 1997 episode of her sitcom, Ellen, the trailblazing comedian and talk show presenter, came out, opening the door for LGBTQ+ visibility.

The well-known actress Portia has publicly backed LGBTQ+ causes. Their well-known, resilient, and loving relationship provides a wonderful example for the general public in the media. Ellen and Portia make a concerted effort to advocate for equality through their platform, which helps the LGBTQ+ community continue to advance and gain respect.

Throughout history, these remarkable pairs and trios of women have challenged expectations, sparked transformations, and made a lasting impact on a multitude of domains. These collaborations represent the strength that comes from having the same goals, whether in science, civil rights, literature, or athletics. They continue to inspire and influence the collective human experience through their enduring legacies.