It is strange how many children today are taken aback (if not aghast) at the position women have held in society throughout history.  However, many have redoubtable spirits and during the Enlightenment period there were many who had no fear when it came to standing up and being counted.

This cool article by focuses on a few, particularly Margaret Cavendish, one of the great debaters of the period.  It is odd in a way that the period was called the Enlightenment as she and her fellows must have had a daily struggle simply to have themselves taken seriously. 

It still happens today - this article has itself been slaughtered by the trolls over at reddit - for no apparent reason other than the fact that Lauren is a woman.  Some regressive behavior, it seems, cannot simply be trained away.  Take a look at the article and make your own mind up!

Enlightenment: The Role of Women in Society | Socyberty