RIA Novosti commemorates Russia's most celebrated women on March 8, International Women's Day.

Dramatic actress Maria Yermolova (1853-1928).

Actress Olga Knipper-Chekhova (1869-1959), the wife of prominent Russian playwright Anton Chekhov.

Galina Ulanova (1910-1998), one of the greatest 20th Century ballerinas

Sculptor Vera Mukhina (1889-1953), the creator of the landmark statue, Worker and the Collective Farm Woman.

Poet Marina Tsvetayeva (1892–1941).

Poet Anna Akhmatova (1889-1966).

Alexandra Domontovich-Kollontai (1872-1952), the first female minister and ambassador in history.

Actress Lyubov Orlova (1902-1975), "the Soviet Monroe".

Singer Klavdia Shulzhenko (1906-1984).

Valentina Tereshkova (born 1937), the first woman in space.

Raisa Gorbacheva (1932-1999), the wife of the first president of the USSR, Mikhail Gorbachev

Natalya Bekhtereva (1924-2008), a prominent neuro physiologist.
