Christine de Pizan
Christine de Pizan (1365- circa 1430) was arguably the first female author in Europe to make a living from being a writer (Marie de France being the other likely candidate). She is viewed by many feminists as the originator of the feminist movement. Specifically, she espoused female achievements and was the spokesperson for the rights of women.
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In her works, she attacked the then popular view that women were second class citizens. She was spurred on by events occurring around her, in which men were trying to restrict female inheritance of land and guild membership. One of her most notable works was The Book of the City of Ladies which was written in 1405.