The answer is: Vashti, the queen

Esther 1:12

In the story of Esther, we encounter Queen Vashti, a brave woman whose refusal to obey King Xerxes shines a spotlight on issues of power and defiance. In Esther 1:12, when the king demands that she appear before him and his male guests, Vashti boldly chooses to stand her ground—an act that some might interpret as a significant act of feminist resistance for the time.

Fun fact: In ancient Persia, the Queen's court had a lot of influence and power. Vashti was not just a pretty face but likely a significant player in political matters. Her refusal to showcase herself for the king's pleasure can be seen as a statement against objectification. By resisting, she sets the stage for Esther, who later wins the king's favor in a more traditional way. This pattern of strong women is important throughout biblical literature, where you see figures like Deborah and Jael, both exhibiting leadership that defied the gender expectations of their time.

Interestingly, Vashti’s namesake has become synonymous with women standing tall against male oppression. Her legacy speaks volumes, showing how one act of defiance can resound through history, echoing modern social justice. Queen Vashti's act might have cost her the throne, but it planted the seeds for boldness and courage, an essential theme throughout Esther's eventual rise—a testament to how the struggles of women in one chapter might inspire those in another.