Grace Murray Hopper made a significant impact in 1952 by inventing the compiler, which translated written language into computer code, and helped develop COBOL, one of the first modern programming languages. Her contributions laid the groundwork for today's technological advancements.
In the 1950s, more women entered education as teachers and administrators, making a positive impact despite facing challenges like segregation and racism. This period also saw some hospitals and businesses beginning to embrace diversity.
Mary Sherman Morgan's innovations contributed to the successful launch of the first satellite, while Gertrude Belle Elion revolutionized chemotherapy with Azathioprine and advancements in organ transplants.
Stephanie Kwolek’s discovery of Kevlar led to life-saving gear and materials in various applications.
Erna Schneider Hoover improved communication systems with her telephone call traffic management invention.
From 1970 to 1980, women's labor force participation among ages 25–34 and 35–44 rose significantly, reflecting a movement toward workplace equality.
Yvonne Brill revolutionized rocket propulsion systems with her hydrazine resistor invention. Shirley Ann Jackson made major contributions to telecommunications, enabling technologies like caller ID and fiber optics.
Between 1980 and 1990, labor force participation improved notably for women aged 35–44 and 45–54, showcasing the growing empowerment of women in the workforce.
The War Manpower Commission was essential in mobilizing women for important jobs during World War II, showcasing their significant contributions to the workforce.
During this time, Hedy Lamarr developed a groundbreaking frequency-hopping communication system to guide torpedoes without detection, laying the groundwork for modern technologies like WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth.
By 1943, women comprised 65 percent of the U.S. aircraft industry workforce, up from just 1 percent before the war. The iconic "Rosie the Riveter" symbolized the strength of women workers during this period.
In 1947, Maria Telkes invented the first solar heating system, marking a key step in renewable energy.
By 1950, about one in three women participated in the labor force, with a participation rate of 33.9 percent for women aged 16 and older. Marian Donovan's invention of a leak-proof diaper and later a fully disposable one transformed parenting practices.
Women’s workforce participation increased to 34 percent in 1950, rising to 60 percent by 2000.
In the 1950s, while many women focused on home life, their contributions significantly shaped families and communities.
Nursing became a respected profession, and women also engaged in various office roles, taking on management positions as the women’s labor movement gained momentum.
Olga Gonzalez-Sanabria developed long-life nickel-hydrogen batteries for the International Space Station, highlighting sustainable energy’s role in space exploration.
On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space during the STS-7 mission, inspiring future generations.
In 1984, Rachel Zimmerman created software that enables individuals with speech disabilities to communicate through symbols on a touchpad, transforming those symbols into written language.
Patricia Bath patented the Laserphaco Probe in 1986, revolutionizing cataract treatment by allowing painless dissolution of cataracts and restoration of sight worldwide.
In 1991, Ann Tsukamoto co-patented a method for isolating human stem cells from bone marrow, significantly impacting medical research and saving lives.
On September 12, 1992, Mae Jemison became the first African-American woman in space on the STS-47 mission, followed by Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space, on April 8, 1993.
Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian-origin woman in space, made her historic journey on November 19, 1997.
By 2019, women’s participation in the labor force rose to 57.4%.
