Eleanor Roosevelt was more than just a First Lady—she was a trailblazer, a humanitarian, and a champion for justice whose influence continues to resonate today. Known for her unwavering commitment to civil rights, women’s equality, and global human rights, she redefined what it meant to be a leader in public life.
With a voice that challenged societal norms and a tireless drive to uplift the marginalized, Eleanor’s accomplishments reached far beyond her time in the White House.
From advocating for the powerless during the Great Depression to shaping the global human rights framework in the aftermath of World War II, her legacy is one of courage, compassion, and transformation. Here are ten of her most remarkable accomplishments that solidify her place as one of history’s most influential figures.
Accomplishments of Eleanor Roosevelt
1. Transformed the Role of First Lady
Eleanor Roosevelt fundamentally changed the traditional role of the First Lady. Prior to her time in the White House, the First Lady’s role was largely confined to being a ceremonial figure and hostess.
Also Read: Eleanor Roosevelt Timeline
Eleanor, however, became a politically active partner to Franklin D. Roosevelt, attending public events, holding her own press conferences, and voicing her opinions on policies and social issues. Her activism and independence set a precedent for future First Ladies, demonstrating that they could be influential leaders in their own right.

2. Advocated for Civil Rights
Eleanor Roosevelt was a vocal proponent of racial equality during an era of segregation and discrimination. Her decision to resign from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in protest of their refusal to allow Marian Anderson, an African-American singer, to perform in Constitution Hall was a bold statement.
She went a step further by arranging for Anderson to sing at the Lincoln Memorial in a concert that became a powerful symbol of racial justice. Eleanor also regularly met with African-American leaders and supported anti-lynching legislation, despite opposition from Southern politicians.
3. Championed Women’s Rights
Eleanor Roosevelt was a tireless advocate for women’s rights and worked to expand opportunities for women in public life. During the Great Depression, she pushed for the inclusion of women in New Deal programs, ensuring they could benefit from initiatives such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
Also Read: Eleanor Roosevelt Facts
During World War II, she encouraged women to take on roles in the workforce traditionally held by men and fought for equal pay. She believed in women’s potential to lead and often used her platform to inspire women to seek positions of power and influence.
4. Wrote a Widely Read Column, My Day
Eleanor Roosevelt’s daily syndicated newspaper column, My Day, was a groundbreaking way for her to communicate directly with the American people. Starting in 1935, she wrote six days a week, addressing everything from politics and social issues to her personal reflections and experiences.
Through this column, she highlighted issues such as civil rights, education, and poverty, while also humanizing her role as First Lady. The column ran until shortly before her death in 1962, reaching millions of readers and keeping her connected to the public.

5. United Nations Delegate and Universal Declaration of Human Rights
After Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death, Eleanor continued her political work by serving as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations. President Harry Truman appointed her to the role, where she became a key figure in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
As the chair of the drafting committee, Eleanor played a critical role in shaping the document, which was adopted in 1948 and remains a cornerstone of international human rights law. Her dedication to this cause earned her the nickname “First Lady of the World.”
6. Worked on New Deal Programs
Eleanor Roosevelt traveled extensively during the Great Depression to observe the hardships faced by ordinary Americans. She brought her findings to Franklin and pushed for New Deal programs that addressed the needs of the unemployed, youth, and minorities.
She was particularly involved in initiatives like the National Youth Administration (NYA), which provided work and education opportunities for young people. Her advocacy ensured that the New Deal addressed the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
7. Promoted Refugee Aid During WWII
During World War II, Eleanor Roosevelt was a strong advocate for aiding refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. She publicly criticized restrictive U.S. immigration policies that limited the number of Jewish refugees allowed to enter the country.
Although she faced resistance, she used her influence to push for the acceptance of more refugees and supported organizations working to provide relief and resettlement. Her efforts brought attention to the plight of those fleeing the Holocaust and underscored the importance of compassion in U.S. policy.

8. First Chairperson of the UN Human Rights Commission
As the first chairperson of the United Nations Human Rights Commission, Eleanor Roosevelt worked to establish its framework and mission. Her leadership was instrumental in bringing together representatives from diverse nations to create the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
She emphasized the importance of universal dignity, equality, and freedom, navigating complex political tensions during the drafting process. Her work laid the foundation for international human rights advocacy and continues to inspire efforts to protect human rights worldwide.
9. Supported the Tuskegee Airmen
Eleanor Roosevelt was a key supporter of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces.
During a visit to Tuskegee Army Air Field in 1941, she insisted on flying with one of the pilots, a gesture that demonstrated her confidence in their abilities and broke racial stereotypes.
Her public endorsement helped secure political and military support for the program, which played a pivotal role in integrating the U.S. military and proving the value of African-American service members.
10. Pioneer in Humanitarian Efforts
Eleanor Roosevelt’s lifelong commitment to humanitarian work extended far beyond her years in the White House. She championed causes such as affordable housing, education, and healthcare, often working with grassroots organizations to drive change.
After leaving the White House, she chaired John F. Kennedy’s Presidential Commission on the Status of Women, which advanced the discussion on gender equality. Her dedication to social justice and her hands-on approach to activism inspired generations to continue the fight for a more equitable society.