The Leaders weaves together 48* unforgettable portraits of the true pioneers and leaders who made huge yet unacknowledged contributions to history, including Grace O'Malley, the 16th century Irish pirate queen; Sylvia Rivera, who spearheaded the modern transgender rights movement; and Agent 355, the unknown rebel spy who played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. Chapters including Rebels; Warriors; Rulers; Activists and Reformers shine a light on the rebellious women who defied the odds, and the opposition, to change the world around them.

The rebels. Carlota Lucumi -- Grace O'Malley -- Christina of Sweden -- Doria Shafik -- Lakshmibai -- Agent 355 -- Noor Inayat Khan -- Njinga Mbandi -- Virginia Hall -- Ranavalona -- Tarenorerer -- The warriors. The Trung sisters -- Tomyris -- Khawlah bint al-Azwar -- Mochizuki Chiyome -- Qiu Jin -- Edith Margaret Garrud -- Ching Shih -- Zenobia -- Amina of Zazzau -- Matilda of Tuscany -- Tamar of Georgia -- The rulers. Hatshepsut -- Toregene Khatun -- Brunhilda of Austrasia -- Zoe Porphyrogenita -- Catherine de Medici -- Anacaona -- Catherine the Great -- Jadwiga of Poland -- Isabella of Castile -- Seondeok of Silla -- Eleanor of Aquitaine -- Sammu-ramat -- The activists. Sylvia Rivera -- Concepción Picciotto -- The Mirabal sisters -- Lillian Ngoyi -- Jayaben Desai -- Nazaria Lagos -- Mary Ann McCracken -- The reformers. The Radium Girls -- Zitkala-Sa -- Ruth Simpson -- Shirley Chisholm -- Jeannette Rankin -- Ida B. Wells -- Sojourner Truth.