Top 21 Female Inventions that Changed the World

Throughout the history, women have challenged barriers and left their mark on the world through powerful ideas and groundbreaking inventions. 

From medical breakthroughs that saved lives to everyday tools that make our routines easier, their creativity has transformed society in ways we often take for granted. Yet, many of these contributions remain less celebrated than they deserve. 

In this article, we highlight 21 remarkable inventions by women that not only changed how we live but also proved that innovation knows no gender.

Birth control pill

The birth control pill, introduced in the 1960s, was one of the most life-changing inventions for women. Biologist Katharine McCormick played a key role in funding and supporting its development. For the first time, women could plan their families and take charge of their reproductive health. 

Beyond preventing pregnancies, the pill also opened doors for women to pursue education, careers, and independence, making it one of the most powerful social and medical innovations of the century.

Barbie

Ever wondered who created Barbie? In 1959, Ruth Handler, a co-founder of Mattel Toy Company with her husband, invented the first Barbie doll, available as a blonde or brunette. 

Inspired by watching her daughter Barbara play with paper dolls, Ruth noticed kids imagining future scenarios. She got the idea for a 3D doll from a German adult doll she saw on a trip. Ruth named the doll Barbie after her daughter and later created Ken, named after her son.

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Call waiting and caller ID

Shirley Ann Jackson, an acclaimed theoretical physicist, made groundbreaking contributions to telecommunications. Her work helped develop technologies like call waiting, caller ID, fiber optic cables and solar cells, shaping modern communication and energy advancements.

Chocolate chip cookie

The heavenly scent of chocolate chip cookies baking on a chilly winter afternoon is irresistible and that first warm, gooey bite is pure magic. Believe it or not, these iconic cookies were created by accident! 

In the 1930s, Ruth and Ken Wakefield, a young couple, bought a rundown Cape Cod-style toll house and turned it into the Toll House Inn, a charming tourist lodge. 

One day, while baking chocolate cookies, Ruth ran out of baking chocolate which melts and spreads during baking. Instead, she used Nestlé chocolate chunks, thinking they’d melt too. But the chunks held their shape, giving birth to the chocolate chip cookie and the famous Nestlé Toll House brand.

Computer algorithm

While translating her math professor’s lectures, Ada Lovelace added her own insights, creating detailed notes. In 1843, these notes earned her recognition for writing the world’s first computer algorithm.

Curling iron

In 1980, Theora Stephens, a Black hairdresser, received a patent for a more efficient curling and pressing iron. Frustrated with the poor-quality tools available at the time, she decided to design a better solution herself. Although little is known about her life, Stephens’ invention became an important contribution to hairstyling, especially in creating safe and effective tools for women.

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Electric refrigerator

In 1914, Florence Parpart received a patent for the electric refrigerator at a time when most households still relied on iceboxes. She not only invented it but also successfully marketed the product and kept improving it over the years. Her work helped change the way people stored food, making kitchens more modern and convenient.

GIF animation

Lisa Gelobter, a computer scientist and Brown University graduate, developed the animation technology behind GIFs. She also contributed to other video platforms like Shockwave, Hulu, Joost, and Brightcove.

Today, she serves as the US Department of Education’s Chief Digital Service Officer. Every time we use a GIF to express ourselves online, we owe thanks to her innovation.

Globes

Ellen Eliza Fitz, an American governess working in Canada, wanted a better way to teach her students about seasons and the Earth’s movement. 

In 1875, she patented a new globe mounting that showed both the Earth’s daily rotation and its yearly revolution around the sun. This design helped students understand day, night, twilight, and the sun’s path throughout the year. 

Her globe was showcased at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, and in 1882 she filed another patent to display the positions of the stars.

Space station batteries

Solar power keeps the International Space Station running, but Earth blocks the sun’s rays for a third of its orbit. In 1980, Olga Gonzalez-Sanabria invented long-life nickel-hydrogen batteries, ensuring the station stays powered even during those dark periods.

Tissue holder

Despite living with multiple sclerosis, Mary Davidson invented the tissue holder, an improved design over traditional holders. Her creation ensured the loose end of bathroom tissue rolls was always accessible, making life easier for many.

Submarine telescope and lamp

In 1845, Sarah Mather patented the submarine telescope, a device with a lamp attached to a tube that was submerged underwater.

It wasn’t used by underwater vessels but allowed people above water to peer into the depths, inspecting damaged ship hulls, wrecks, and enemy activities during the Civil War.

Rolling pin

In 1891, Catharine Deiner patented an improved rolling pin that quickly gained attention. Unlike the traditional design, her version came with an adjustable sleeve and four cake cutters attached to a hook. 

This allowed dough to be rolled and cut into cakes faster with less waste. Her invention was useful not only for families at home but also for bakeries for baking more efficient and practical.

Call Center System

Erna Schneider Hoover revolutionized telephone switching in the 1960s. In 1971, she received a patent for her computerized telephone switching system which prevented call centers from freezing during high call volumes. 

Before her invention, overloaded systems left customers waiting or hearing busy signals. Hoover’s system ensured smoother operations, improving customer experience and efficiency in telecommunication.

Automatic roti maker

Pranoti Nagarkar-Israni designed Rotimatic, a kitchen robot that makes rotis, puris, pizza crusts, and tortillas in under a minute.

Guided by her philosophy of simplification, she created the first-ever machine that prepares healthy homemade wraps and rotis with a single touch. As a new wife focused on health and managing a busy schedule, Israni developed Rotimatic to make cooking fast, easy, and convenient at home.

Photo enhancement

While working at NASA, Barbara Askins developed a technique to improve the quality of images captured from space. Her method of enhancing photo negatives proved widely useful, allowing photographs to be clarified even after development. Over time, this technology was adapted for restoring historical photos and X-rays, making her work valuable both in science and everyday life.

Electric water heater

Ida Forbes received a patent in 1917 for the first-ever electric water heater, at a time when most water heaters ran on gas. Her invention made hot water more accessible and convenient, changing how households managed daily chores and improving comfort in homes.

Hairbrush

While the original comb or brush inventor is unknown, Lyda Newman, a Black woman in Manhattan, became the first to receive a patent for a hairbrush in 1898.

Her design featured synthetic bristles instead of animal hair and included storage and ventilation for excess hair, making it easier to clean and more sanitary. Newman’s hairbrush was durable, effective, and user-friendly, setting a new standard for haircare tools.

Laser cataract surgery

In 1986, Patricia Bath developed the Laserphaco Probe, a device that allows doctors to dissolve cataracts quickly and painlessly before inserting new lenses. This technology has since been used worldwide, helping prevent blindness caused by cataracts and improving the quality of life for millions of patients.

Rock’ n’ roll Music

While the origins of rock ‘n’ roll are debated, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was one of the first in the 1930s to blend folk, gospel, and blues with the energetic swing of rock and roll. Her innovative style influenced many music legends, including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, making her a true pioneer of the genre.

Science fiction

Mary Shelley is credited with inventing science fiction in 1818 with her novel Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus.

Her story, featuring bold ideas about science and creation, started a genre that has remained popular for over 200 years. Shelley’s achievement was remarkable at a time when writing was considered a profession for men, making her a true pioneer in literature.

Conclusion 

These 21 inventions show how women have played a vital role in shaping the world we live in today. Their creativity, courage and determination continue to inspire next generations to think differently and break boundaries. 

Innovation has no limits—and these women prove that one idea can truly change the world.