Women of the world celebrate today On International Women’s Daywhich falls on March 8 of each year, is held to signify public respect, appreciation and love for women for their economic, political and social achievements. Although the world of technology is often viewed as a male-dominated field, throughout history, wonderful women have made revolutionary contributions that shaped the way… How we interact with technology today, on this International Women’s Day, we celebrate some of these amazing pioneers.
Ada Lovelace: the world’s first computer programmer (1815-1852)
Long before the advent of computers, Ada Lovelace, also known as Lady Ada Byron, was widely known as the world’s first computer programmer. She collaborated with Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine, a mechanical calculator, and wrote detailed notes detailing its potential for performance. A wide range of operations, leading to the creation of the first computer programs.
Grace Hopper: “The Coding Lady” (1906-1992)
Grace Hopper, a computer science professor and computer science pioneer in the US Navy, is credited with popularizing the terms “compiler” and “bug” in the early days of programming, as she developed the first compiler for a computer programming language, which made programming more accessible.
Hedy Lamarr: Hollywood’s Inventor (1914-2000)
While best known for her mesmerizing performances in films, Hedy Lamarr was also a genius inventor. During World War II, concerned about the security of Allied communications systems, she co-invented the frequency-shifted spread spectrum technology that founded modern Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth.
Radia Perlman: “Mother of the Internet” (born 1951)
Rade Perelman is a computer networking pioneer who developed the Spanning Tree protocol, a crucial algorithm that prevents loops in network connections, ensuring data flows smoothly on the Internet, and her work was instrumental in developing the Internet as we know it today.
Katherine Johnson: the hidden figure behind spaceflight (1918-2020)
While Katherine Johnson did not work directly in technology, her genius as a NASA mathematician was essential to the success of the first space missions. Her calculations played a crucial role in John Glenn’s orbit of the Earth and the Apollo 11 landing on the Moon.
These are just a few examples of the many inspiring women who have made significant contributions to the world of technology. Their stories remind us that innovation knows no gender barrier, and that women remain a driving force in shaping the future of technology.