The author known for her contributions to feminist literature during the 20th century is Virginia Woolf. Woolf's works challenged the traditional roles of women and explored the complexities of female identity and experience. Her novels, including "Mrs. Dalloway" and "To the Lighthouse," often delve into themes of gender, sexuality, and the inner lives of women. Woolf was also a significant figure in the modernist movement and contributed essays, such as "A Room of One's Own," advocating for women's intellectual and creative independence. Her legacy continues to inspire contemporary feminist thought and literature.