While our society may label women as a weaker sex, here are the 16 most inspiring inventions by women that show we are less than no one. These are inventions that many can’t even imagine living without.
So, celebrating the immense contribution in making our lives enjoyable, easy and fun, here’s the list of things that the human race should be thankful to women for inventing them!
1. Beer
Developed by ancient Mesopotamian women
Yes, Beer! As per Beer Historian Jane Peyton, ancient Mesopotamian women were the first to develop, sell, and even drink beer. Like many other inventions by women, historians may have forgotten to mention the name of the woman who was exactly behind it.
2. Ice Cream Freezer
Invented by Nancy Johnson in 1843
If you love ice-cream, then you need to thank Nancy Johnson for coming up with the first ice cream freezing machine. It was a manual machine with a handle. This simple device remained a standard device for several years.
3. Sanitizer
Invented by Lupe Hernandez in 1966
Lupe Hernandez, a student nurse from Bakersfield, gave us the lifeline against coronavirus 50 years ago. Her concern about the availability of water and soap for medical professionals before coming into contact with patients led to the discovery of hand-sanitizers. She realized the solution to her concern was in the alcohol-based gel.
4. CCTV
Invented by Marie Van Brittan Brown
When Marie observed that the New York police were slow to respond to calls for help, she devised a system for CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) to help people in ensuring their security. No doubts her inventions are the basis of modern-day CCTV cameras that we use at home and office to keep ourselves safe.
5. Automatic dishwasher
Invented by Josephine Cochrane in 1886
As Josephine was tired of washing the dishes herself, she wondered why no one had invented anything to do a thin job. Josephine took the matters into her own hands and sketched out a machine. She got the patent for the first automatic dishwasher. Even after 134 years, the model designed by her is still being used by hotels and restaurants.
6. Monopoly board game
Invented by Elizabeth Magie in 1903
Do you know the most enjoyed board game of all time, Monopoly, was designed by Elizabeth as a protest against the big monopolists of her time? Though she never got credit for her invention, it was Darrow who made huge profits from selling the game.
7. Flat Bottomed Paper Bags
Invented by Margaret Knightwood in 1868
While working in a paper bag plant, Margaret Knightwood came up with the innovative idea of a machine that could fold and glue paper together to create the flat bottomed brown paper bags. And, even after 150 years of her invention, this machine is still being used to date.
8. Kevlar
Invented by Stephanie Kwolek in 1965
Stephanie invented synthetic fibers of exceptional strength and stiffness, called Kevlar. Five times stronger than steel, this synthetic fiber is used in manufacturing bulletproof jackets as well as boats, airplanes, ropes, and cables.
9. Chocolate chip cookies
Invented by Ruth Wakefield in 1938.
Though we all love chocolate chip cookies, do you know they were accidentally invented by Ruth Wakefield? While baking a batch of Butter Drop Do cookies for her guests, she ran out of baker’s chocolate. So, she took a Nestle chocolate bar and crumbled it into pieces, and mixed it in the batter. She was expecting that while baking, chocolate pieces will melt. But, chocolate pieces didn’t melt and retain their shape and hence, giving us one of the best kind of cookies – chocolate chip cookies!
10. COBOL computer software
Invented by Dr. Grace Murray Hopper in 1961
COBOL was the first user-friendly business computer software. It was created by a team led by a computer genius and a naval officer, Dr. Grace Murray Hopper.
11. Car heaters
Invented by Margaret A Wilcox in 1893
Have you ever wondered how would it be to travel in the car in chilly weather if there was no car heater! And for this great invention, you need to thank Margaret A Wilcox. Margaret was one of the few female mechanical engineers of her era. She created a system that could direct air from over the engines of the cars to warm the interiors.
12. Fire escape
Invented by Anna Connelly in 1887
Do you know in the 1880s when women were even not allowed to move out of their houses, Anna Connelly designed the first-ever fire escape. This fire escape was designed as an exterior staircase with platforms between levels so that people don’t fall several stories down the stairs during an emergency.
13. Wireless Transmission Technology
Invented by Hedy Lamarr in 1941
This is our favorite. If you are able to read this article on your mobile phone while connected to your wi-fi network, then you need to thank Hedy Lamarr, the Austrian actress. Yes, Hedy was famous for her acting and beauty but she also invented a system of wireless communication called ‘spread spectrum’ to fight the Nazis during World War II. This technology was the foundation for modern WiFi and mobile phones.
14. The Modern Electric Refrigerator
Invented by Florence Parpart in 1914
15. Life Raft
Invented by Maria Beasley in 1882
While life rafts have millions of lives and all thanks to Maria Beasley, who invented the life rafts. In addition to life rafts, she also invented cooking pans and foot warmers.
16. Central heating systems
 Invented by Alice Parker in 1919
In 1919, Alice designed the first gas-powered central heating systems. Unfortunately, her design never turned into a tangible heater but it laid the foundation of central heating systems.
At IFORHER, we are in awe of these inspiring women who dared to show the world their true potential. Though their contribution might have forgotten over the years, their inventions are still making the lives of billions of humans fun, easy and happy!
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