Let's begin at the beginning - with creation. Genesis 1:26,27 tells us that both man and woman were made in God's image. He created man (mankind,) in His own image.
"in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."
In the book of Exodus, Miriam is first seen as the protector of her baby brother, Moses, as he was placed in a basket in the Nile in order to save him from the infant massacre. She showed her leadership qualities then, and again as the adult Moses led the nation out of Egypt. The book of Micah recognizes Miriam along with her brothers, Moses and Aaron, as a leader of the exodus. Micah 6:4
Some two hundred years later, Deborah was a national hero and leader of the Israelites. As a judge she was the nation's leader. As a prophetess, she spoke for God. In one story, she called upon a general to inform him that God wanted him to go to war. Deborah was so respected that the general refused to go without her. Judges 4
Another Old Testament woman, Huldah, was a respected prophetess.
King Josiah started a renovation project of the temple. During this process, they discovered the Book of the Law and took it to the King who recognized the nation's sins. Several officials were dispatched to seek Huldah's input. She told them of the disaster the Lord would bring because of the nation's disobedience and of his mercy on King Josiah because of his repentance. 2 Kings 22:14-20
Let's not forget Esther, the young Jewish girl who, taken against her will, used it to advantage by saving the entire nation of Israel from destruction. She has her own book in the Bible.
Anna was a prophetess who was widowed after only seven years of marriage. She devoted herself to serving the Lord in His Temple, day and night. She trusted God to fulfill His promise of a savior and at the age of 84, received the honor of seeing the baby Jesus whom she recognized as the Messiah. Luke 2:36-38
There was Lydia, a successful businesswoman, when few women had a personal income, who extended hospitality to Paul in his missionary journeys. Acts 16:13-15
If you want to read about successful women, read the Bible. Women are seen playing many roles. They were sometimes limited by social customs but were never limited in God's design. Devotion to Him put them in His will, doing His work, changing the world. Worthiness in Christ pays no attention to gender. We shouldn't either.
Galatians 3:28 "There is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus."
