I can accept Jane Austen as well as George Eliot and Charlotte Bronte, but they were hardly in the league of Shakespeare, Goethe, Proust or Voltaire. Jane Austen had a remarkable insight into 19th century social mores, particularly as she was a near recluse who never married or even had a relationship as far as we know. Maybe it is my pride and prejudice that I was forced to study her and other 19th century authors for English Literature.
Look, don't get me wrong, I am just wondering out loud why there are so few. I know that it will be said that it is all down to paternalism and undoubtedly that was part of the reason but what about now and indeed most of the 20th century? I would love for there to be a lot more as they can only be positive role models to counteract the Kardashian Kulture that your country has popularised and unfortunately the UK has enthusiastically followed.