According to a study conducted by TradersBest there are 716 people showcased on banknotes from 115 countries. Findings reveal that only 54 are women, while 662 are men. This striking disparity means that merely 1 in 12 individuals depicted on banknotes is a woman, representing only 7.54% of people on banknotes.
The United Kingdom (England, Wales, and Scotland) has the most women on their banknotes. In England and Wales, the most represented are Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (£20) and Queen Elizabeth II (£5, £10).
Scotland’s banknotes feature a diverse lineup of influential figures, each celebrated for their significant contributions. Both Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II are featured on Scotland’s banknotes, adding a touch of royal elegance. Nan Shepherd (£5), a renowned Scottish writer and poet, shares the spotlight with Catherine Cranston (£20), a notable businesswoman and patron of the arts. The £10 notes showcase Jane Austen, the acclaimed English novelist known for her incisive social commentary, as well as Mary Somerville, who earned the distinction of being the first woman named an honorary member of the Royal Astronomical Society. Mary Slessor, remembered for her impactful work in Nigeria during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is also honoured with a £10 note. Elsie Inglis, a pioneering doctor and suffragist, is featured on the £50 note for her significant role in advancing medical care and women’s rights, alongside Flora Stevenson, acknowledged for her advocacy for social causes and dedication to improving education for girls.
Australia takes the second spot on the list, standing out for its commendable representation of women on banknotes. Notably, Edith Cowan graces the $50 note, recognized as a social reformer and politician who achieved the historic milestone of becoming the first woman elected to an Australian parliament in 1921. The $5 note features Queen Elizabeth II, while the $10 note pays tribute to Mary Gilmore, renowned for her poetry and contributions to the labour movement in the early 20th century. Nellie Melba, celebrated for her extraordinary vocal talent and contributions to classical music, is honoured on the $100 note. Additionally, the $20 note features Mary Reibey, a pioneering businesswoman and former convict who played a pivotal role in shaping commerce and finance in early Australia.
In the 3rd spot, Mexico features four influential women on its banknotes, including Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, an iconic writer, Hermila Galindo, a feminist and political activist, Carmen Serdán, a key figure in the Mexican Revolution, and Frida Kahlo, the renowned artist.
Sharing the 4th spot are Sweden, Denmark, and Canada, each with a trio of notable women on their banknotes. Sweden celebrates Astrid Lindgren, whose work have had a significant impact on children’s literaturer, Greta Garbo, legendary actress, and Birgit Nilsson, acclaimed opera singer. Denmark pays homage to Anna Ancher, prominent artist, Karen Blixen, celebrated author, and Johanne Luise Heiberg, influential actress. Canada features Agnes Macphail, the country’s first female member of parliament, Viola Desmond, a civil rights activist, and Queen Elizabeth II.
The United States stands alongside North Korea, Russia, China, South Africa, and India, among other large countries, in not featuring any women on their banknotes. All of the paper money in the United States features men.
Martha Washington is the first and only woman to grace the primary portrait of US paper currency. Martha Washington’s image appears on the $1 Silver Certificate. These certificates no longer carry monetary value as an exchange for silver, yet they are still legal tender at their face value.
While royals are frequently featured on bills worldwide, women in other positions have also made it onto banknotes. Authors, scientists, singers, poets, activists, teachers, painters,etc. are featured on a number of different currencies.
According to the data, Queen Elizabeth II is the most featured woman worldwide. But a few other queens or royal members have made it onto different banknotes too: Georgia’s 50 lari note has an image of Queen Tamar, who was the Queen of Georgia from 1184 to 1213, and Albania’s 100 lekë features Queen Teuta, a 3rd century queen of an Illyrian tribe.
With International Women’s Day on the horizon, it prompts reflection on the prevalent perception of a world often seen as more centred around men.
In this comprehensive study, we checked central banks of the countries, bureaus of printing and engraving to ensure accuracy in our findings. We explored 115 countries around the world and the people shown on their banknotes, using information from Wikipedia. We considered both living and deceased individuals, whether they appeared on the front or back of the banknotes, unless they were featured on both sides.
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