Skip to main content

The contributions of female explorers - Courtney Stephens

470,706 Views

8,091 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

During the Victorian Age, women were unlikely to become great explorers, but a few intelligent, gritty and brave women made major contributions to the study of previously little-understood territory. Courtney Stephens examines three women -- Marianne North, Mary Kingsley and Alexandra David-Néel -- who wouldn’t take no for an answer (and shows why we should be grateful that they didn’t).

Aside from their beauty, why were Marianne North’s paintings so useful to scientists back in Europe?

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Courtney Stephens
  • Director Lizzi Akana
  • Narrator Courtney Stephens

More from The World's People and Places