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For years, women have made significant contributions to the field of technology. Though they may not always receive the recognition they deserve, their impact is undeniable. In this blog post, we will take a look at the history of women in technology and explore how their innovations and contributions continue to shape the technological landscape.
Contributions by Women in Technology
Unfortunately, the role that women have played in the history of technology is often overlooked. Even though they may not always receive credit for their innovations, women have continued to overcome obstacles and create innovative ideas that better the world around them. Let’s talk about a few of them.
Ada Lovelace
Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician and writer who is credited with being the first person to ever publish an algorithm intended to be executed by a machine. Lovelace’s work on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine in 1843 laid the foundation for modern computing.
Edith Clarke
Edith Clarke was another important woman in early technology. She was an electrical engineer and inventor who developed one of the first graphical calculators in 1921. This tool allowed engineers to quickly solve complex equations without having to do any tedious hand-calculating.
Evelyn Boyd Granville
Evelyn Boyd Granville was an American mathematician and the second African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in mathematics from a U.S. university back in 1949. Granville made important contributions to the field of numerical analysis and worked on projects for NASA during the Space Race.
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson is another renowned African-American mathematician who made significant contributions to space exploration. She is highlighted as one of the primary subjects in the movie Hidden Figures. Johnson’s calculations were critical for NASA during the early days of human spaceflight. She is best known for her work on the Apollo Moon landing program.
Shafi Goldwasser
Shafi Goldwasser is an Israeli computer scientist and recipient of the ACM Turing Award in 2012. Goldwasser is best known for her work in cryptography, which has led to major breakthroughs in data security.
These women in IT have made important contributions to technological advancements over the years, but this list only demonstrates a few of the many female contributors.
Recent Efforts to Further Support Women in IT
In recent years, women have continued to play a vital role in the IT sector, whether by funding, spearheading projects, or starting programs. Here are just a few examples:
- In 2016, Melinda Gates announced that she would be investing $80 million in organizations that focus on getting women and girls into technology.
- In 2004, the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) was created by Lucy Sanders and Telle Whitney in order to increase the participation of women in technology.
- In 2017, Apple launched a global education initiative called Everyone Can Code. This program is designed to give everyone, regardless of gender, the opportunity to learn how to code.
The Future of Women’s Contribution in IT
The contributions of women to the field of technology show no signs of slowing down. In fact, as the industry continues to evolve, the need for women’s innovative ideas and perspectives will only become more apparent.
Here at GXA, we are committed to promoting diversity in IT and ensuring that women have a seat at the table. Our president and CEO, Alicia Makaye, is personally committed to improving communities and businesses through fostering innovation and implementing real-life solutions.
We believe that organizations like ours are crucial for preparing the tech sector for future developments and female involvement. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business succeed.