Who was known for improving the status of women in the Byzantine Empire?

Theodora is known for significantly improving the status of women in the Byzantine Empire during her time as Empress alongside her husband, Justinian I. She championed several reforms that enhanced the legal rights and protections afforded to women, particularly in areas such as marriage and property ownership. Under her influence, laws were enacted that prohibited the trafficking of women and allowed them to initiate divorce under certain circumstances. Theodora's advocacy for women's rights and her powerful position in the imperial court made her a key figure in advancing gender equality in a predominantly patriarchal society.

In contrast, while Cleopatra ruled Egypt and was a notable historical figure, her primary influence on women's status was primarily within her own realm and was more tied to her political power rather than systemic legal reforms regarding women's rights. Catherine the Great, a significant figure in Russian history, also worked toward reforms; however, her initiatives did not focus specifically on the status of women in the Byzantine context. Empress Matilda, while important in British history, was not associated with the Byzantine Empire and did not have a direct influence on the improvement of women's status there. Thus, Theodora stands out as the key figure in this context.