When you think about inventors, you probably think about famous figures like Thomas Edison or Alexander Graham Bell. But did you know that many inventions were actually created by women? Women inventors have been behind some seriously awesome stuff! Sadly, they don’t always get the credit they deserve. So, let’s fix that by looking at twelve incredible inventions by women that you probably haven’t heard about. Creativity knows no gender.
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The Dishwasher
We’ve all thanked the heavens before for not having to scrub dishes by hand after a huge meal—but really, you have Josephine Cochrane to thank for that. Back in 1886, she was fed up with her dishes getting chipped while being washed. As such, she invented the first practical dishwasher and her design used water pressure to clean dishes. It changed kitchens everywhere!
Kevlar
Kevlar is a material so strong it stops bullets yet it’s also lighter than steel. It was invented by Stephanie Kwolek in 1965. She was actually trying to find a new, lightweight fiber for car tires but ended up creating a material we now use in bulletproof vests. It has saved countless lives—talk about a happy accident!
The Windshield Wiper
Driving in the rain or snow is a real hassle. But thanks to Mary Anderson, we don’t have to stick our heads out the window to see where we’re going as she invented the windshield wiper in 1903. She noticed drivers struggling with visibility during bad weather. Best of all, her invention was both a simple & effective device as you can operate it from inside the vehicle. It has made driving safer for everyone.
The Monopoly Game
Originally, Monopoly was called The Landlord’s Game and it was invented by Elizabeth Magie in 1904. She wanted to show the downsides of land being owned by private monopolies. Unfortunately, Charles Darrow receives a lot of the credit for the game, even though it was Magie’s idea that created one of the most popular board games ever.
The Home Security System
In 1966, Marie Van Brittan Brown was a nurse living in a high-crime area and she invented the first home security system. Her setup included cameras, monitors & a two-way microphone for people to communicate with visitors. Naturally, this invention was way ahead of its time. It helped create the basis for the security systems we use today!
Disposable Diapers
Every parent will tell you how much they hate doing laundry and changing diapers. Marion Donovan felt the same and in 1946, she invented the first waterproof disposable diaper. This invention completely changed things for parents because it made baby care way more convenient and hygienic. We all owe her a huge thank you!
The Ice Cream Maker
Who doesn’t love ice cream? We have Nancy Johnson to thank for making homemade ice cream possible as in 1843, she patented the hand-cranked ice cream maker. Her invention allowed people to make smoother & more consistent ice cream right at home. It’s safe to say she made a lot of people very happy—especially the sweet tooths among us!
The Electric Refrigerator
In 1914, Florence Parpart invented the electric refrigerator. She also took charge of marketing it to change the way we store & preserve food. Thanks to her, keeping our groceries fresh is relatively easier. Before her invention, people had to use iceboxes that needed regular deliveries of large ice blocks just to keep things somewhat cool. No more worrying about milk spoiling overnight or wilted vegetables!
The Life Raft
In 1882, Maria Beasley saw contemporary life rafts and how unsafe they were. Essentially, they were just wooden planks tied together—hardly something you’d want to rely on in a disaster. She designed a life raft that was collapsible & fireproof. These significantly improved the survival rate of shipwreck victims, especially since they are far more practical.
Solar-Powered Houses
Mária Telkes was a scientist who saw the potential in solar energy long before it was cool. In 1947, she designed the first solar-heated house and showed the world that renewable energy could be possible. Before her invention, solar energy was more sci-fi than reality. As a result, her work helped create the solar technology we’re trying to adopt more widely today.
The Paper Bag
The next time you’re packing a lunch or hauling groceries, think of Margaret Knight. In the 1870s, she invented a machine that made flat-bottomed paper bags. Even though it was difficult to get a patent, she was determined to do so. And she did it! Her invention was a step closer toward the modern shopping experience.
The Circular Saw
Tabitha Babbitt was a Shaker sister in the early 19th century who saw men struggling with the back-and-forth motion of the traditional saw. She thought there had to be a better way—and there was. Babbitt invented the circular saw which made cutting wood more efficient & less labor-intensive. Even a simple observation like this can change the world!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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