Throughout history, women have played a significant role in shaping the world we live in today. From politics to science, women have made incredible contributions to society. However, many of these achievements have been overlooked or forgotten.

In this article, we’ll explore four little-known facts about women throughout history.

The First Computer Programmer Was a Woman

When we think of the pioneers of computing, men like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates often come to mind. However, the first computer programmer was actually a woman named Ada Lovelace.

Lovelace was born in London in 1815 and was the daughter of Lord Byron, the famous poet. Lovelace was a gifted mathematician, and in 1843 she published a paper on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine that included what is now considered the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine.

This makes Lovelace the world’s first computer programmer, an achievement that is often overlooked today.

The First Self-Made Millionaire in the US Was a Woman

Madam C.J. Walker was a pioneer in the cosmetics industry and the first self-made millionaire in the United States. Born in 1867 in Louisiana, Walker was the daughter of former slaves.

At the age of 14, she married and became a widow at 20, with a young daughter to support. She began selling haircare products door-to-door, and eventually founded the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company in 1906. Her company grew rapidly, and by 1917, she was a millionaire.

Despite facing discrimination as a black woman in the early 20th century, Walker persevered and became a trailblazer in the business world.

The Women Who Built NASA’s Apollo Spacecraft

The Apollo spacecraft that landed 12 people on the moon was built by a team of engineers at NASA. What is often overlooked, however, is that many of these engineers were women.

In the 1960s, women made up just a small fraction of engineering graduates, but NASA actively recruited women for technical and administrative jobs. Margaret Hamilton was one of these women, and she was responsible for developing the software used in the Apollo spacecraft.

Hamilton’s innovations were critical to the success of the Apollo missions, yet her contributions have often been overshadowed by her male colleagues.

Women Have Been Leaders in Politics for Centuries

When we think of political leaders, we often think of men. However, women have been making significant contributions to politics for centuries.

In ancient Egypt, Hatshepsut ruled as pharaoh for 22 years, and in medieval Europe, Queen Elizabeth I of England was a powerful monarch who oversaw a golden age of arts and culture. More recently, women have become heads of state in countries around the world. Indira Gandhi was the first female Prime Minister of India and served in that role for over a decade.

Angela Merkel has been the Chancellor of Germany since 2005, and in 2021, Kamala Harris became the first female Vice President of the United States.

Conclusion

Women have made incredible achievements throughout history, yet their contributions are often overlooked or forgotten. Ada Lovelace, Madam C.J.

Walker, Margaret Hamilton, Hatshepsut, and Queen Elizabeth I are just a few examples of the many women who have made remarkable contributions to society. By recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of women, we can inspire future generations and create a more equitable world.