The notable figure in women's rights who authored "The Second Sex" is Simone de Beauvoir. Published in 1949, this groundbreaking work examined the role of women in society and the constructs of femininity and gender equality. De Beauvoir argued that women have historically been relegated to the role of "the Other" in a patriarchal society, advocating for women's liberation and the need for social change. Her ideas contributed significantly to the feminist movement, influencing subsequent generations of activists and thinkers who sought to challenge and dismantle gender inequality.