French Revolution

Born in France in the year 1748, Marie Gouze (later to be known as Olympe de Gouges) was no ordinary petite fille. From a very early age she championed the rights of illegitimate children (of which she believed she was one) and their mothers, as well as writing abolitionist plays and speaking out for women's rights in France.

If you're thinking that de Gouges' speaking of truth to power didn't go over so well with those in power, you're right.