08/03/2025
Many innovations and discoveries made by women have historically been overlooked, ignored, or credited to men due to patriarchal structures in society. Here are some notable examples:
1. The Circular Saw– Tabitha Babbitt (1810s)
Tabitha Babbitt, a Shaker woman, invented the circular saw after noticing the inefficiency of the two-man pit saw. While her innovation revolutionized woodworking, she never patented it, and men in the industry took credit for its widespread use.
2. Computer Programming – Ada Lovelace (1840s)
Ada Lovelace wrote the first-ever algorithm intended for a machine, making her the first computer programmer. However, for a long time, Charles Babbage was credited as the sole father of computing, overshadowing her contributions.
3. Kevlar – Stephanie Kwolek (1965)
Stephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar, the material used in bulletproof vests. While she was eventually recognized, for years, many assumed Kevlar was a male-led innovation.
4. The Monopoly Board Game – Elizabeth Magie (1904)
Elizabeth Magie invented The Landlord’s Game, which later became Monopoly. However, Charles Darrow, a man who slightly modified her game, was credited and made millions, while Magie was largely forgotten.
5. The Home Security System – Marie Van Brittan Brown (1966)
Marie Van Brittan Brown, a Black woman, invented the first home security system with CCTV surveillance. However, most modern security systems are credited to male-dominated tech companies.
6. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Foundations – Hedy Lamarr (1940s)
Hedy Lamarr, an actress and inventor, developed frequency-hopping technology that later became the foundation for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. For decades, this contribution was ignored, and the credit was given to male scientists.
7. Solar Heating for Homes – Dr. Maria Telkes (1947)
Maria Telkes, a physicist, developed the first solar-heated home. However, early solar energy advancements were often attributed to male scientists.
Many women in history have had their inventions co-opted, ignored, or forgotten because of patriarchy. Recognizing their contributions helps correct historical injustices.