11 October - Valentina V. Tereshkova was honored in London with the prestigious title of Greatest Woman Achiever of the Century.

 

On 11 October 2000, Valentina V. Tereshkova, the pioneering Russian cosmonaut, was honored in London by the International Women of the Year Association with the prestigious title of Greatest Woman Achiever of the Century. Tereshkova's remarkable journey began on June 16, 1963, when she became the first woman to travel into space aboard the Soviet spacecraft Vostok 6. During her mission, she orbited the Earth 48 times over nearly three days, demonstrating that women could endure the same physical and psychological stresses as men in space. Her flight was a major breakthrough in both space exploration and the fight for gender equality, and it remains one of the most celebrated moments in the history of space travel.

The recognition in 2000 highlighted Tereshkova’s enduring legacy as a trailblazer, not only for women in science and space exploration but also for women's rights worldwide. Her achievements inspired generations of women to pursue careers in fields that were traditionally male-dominated. This award marked her as one of the most iconic and influential figures of the 20th century, solidifying her status as a symbol of courage, ambition, and progress.