Women have shaped the culture and landscape of Greater Fall River in innumerable ways, though not often given the dignity and respect they deserve.  

Women’s History Month gives us an opportunity to correct that. Formally recognized for March since 1987, the month is a time to look at the remarkable lives and accomplishments of women throughout history.  

Greater Fall River still has room to improve in terms of representation — the city has never elected a female mayor in 170 years, for instance. But political power is only one way to make change. Here are five women who have had an outsized influence on our history: 

Read more from Dan Medeiros at heraldnews.com.