Women Who Defied Traditional Gender Roles
Ching Shih
China, 1775 - 1844
Born into poverty, Ching Shih kept herself afloat by working in a brothel. However, by the age of 26, she grabbed the attention of pirate leader Zheng Yi. After marrying the pirate, Shih not only lent her brilliant mind to her husband's business, but participated in his endeavors fully, sharing both control and profits evenly.
