This week is International Women’s Day- a global celebration of the achievements and contributions of women, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of gender equality and women’s rights. In light of this day, we take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of women who have made significant strides in the field of technology. This list serves as just a small few out of the countless women in the technology industry who have helped shape our future. These pioneers have paved the way for future generations, challenging societal norms and leaving a lasting mark on the technology landscape.

Known as the “mother of computer programming,” Ada Lovelace is widely regarded as the first computer programmer. Born in London in 1815, she was a mathematician and writer who worked closely with Charles Babbage, the father of the computer. Baggage came up with the “Analytical Engine” which is considered to be the first general computer, but was never actually created. Lovelace envisioned the potential of computers beyond mere number-crunching, foreseeing their use in complex operations. Lovelace’s work on the projects and the notes she left behind inspired Alan Turing on his work of the first modern computer in thr 1940s.

Ada Lovelace is also celebreated on Ada Lovelace Day every second Tuesday of October.

Primarily recognized for her groundbreaking work in physics and chemistry, Marie Curie’s contributions to the field of technology are undeniable. Curie was born in Poland in 1867, and receieved a general education in local schools. She pioneered the use of X-rays in medical settings, revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions. Curie’s work laid the foundation for nuclear physics and led to significant advances in medical treatement such as cancer radiation therapy.

In 1903, Curie won the Nobel Prize in Physics shared with her husband Pierre Curie, and physicist Henri Becquerel for their work on radioactivity. 8 years later, she won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering the elements Polonium and radium. Curie is the first woman to win not only one, but two Nobel Prizes, as well as the first person to win two Nobel Prizes in different fields.

Often referred to as the “Queen of Software,” Grace Hopper was a pioneering computer scientist born in 1906 who devised the theory of machine-independent programming languages. An Admiral in the Navy, she was one of the first programmers for the Harvard Mark I computer, which aided the war effort during WWII. This led to her crucial role in the development of COBOL, a programming language that remains in use today. In 1947, she recorded the world’s first real computer bug. Hopper’s visionary work and inventions laid the foundation for modern software engineering such as code optimization, subroutines, and formula translation.

It is often easier to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission -Grace Hopper

Hedy Lemarr was born in 1914 in Vienna, Austria and began starring in films at 17 years old. Beyond her fame as a Hollywood actress, Hedy Lamarr was an inventor who co-developed a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology. Lamarr patented the “secret communication system” during WWII. This frequency hopping system set radio- guided torpedos off course. This groundbreaking innovation laid the groundwork for modern-day WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth communication. Lamarr’s impact on technology extends far beyond her on-screen persona. From being the “most beautiful woman in film” and making groundbreaking technological discoveries- Lamarr really is the best of both worlds.

Born in 1936, Margaret Hamilton made history as the first woman to work as a computer programmer at NASA. She led the Software Engineering Division of the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory. She played a pivotal role in the Apollo 11 mission, where her expertise was instrumental in the mission’s success. Hamiltomn led the team in creating the on-board flights software in Apollo’s command modules and lunar modules. Hamilton is also known for coining the term “software engineering” to distinguish it from other forms of engineering.

Looking back, we were the luckiest people in the world. There was no choice but to be pioneers; no time to be beginners. -Margaret Hamilton

Hamilton’s work in the Apollo mission was later adapted for use in Skylab, the first digital fly-by-wire systems in aircrafts. in 2003, Hamilton received the NASA Exceptional Space Act Award, and later the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama in 2016.

Conclusion

These remarkable women in the technology industry have made indelible contributions to the field. Their trailblazing achievements have paved the way for future generations of innovators and leaders in the field. On International Women’s Day, we celebrate their accomplishments and honor their enduring legacy, recognizing that their efforts have not only transformed the technology industry but have also inspired and empowered countless women around the world.