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Women Have Been Kicking Ass in IT Since the 1800s – We’re Just Carrying the Torch-the future of femtech.
Updated: 3 days ago
Despite historical and ongoing challenges, women's contributions have significantly shaped the field of Information Technology (IT).
From early pioneers who laid the groundwork for computing to modern-day innovators, women have continually overcome barriers to drive technological advancement.
It's only in recent years that there has been growing recognition of how biological factors, such as the menstrual cycle, impact productivity and workplace dynamics. How these women were able to power through it all shows their strengths as women.
This article explores women's history in IT, progress, and contemporary discussion around the menstrual cycle and productivity.
Let’s start with the OG of computing: Ada Lovelace. In the 1840s, she developed the first algorithm for Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine.
Often celebrated as the world's first computer programmer, Lovelace set the stage for what would come.
Fast forward to World War II, and we see the incredible contributions of the "ENIAC Girls." These six women programmed the first electronic general-purpose computer, the ENIAC, and were crucial to its success.
Yet, their groundbreaking work remained largely unrecognized for decades.
Then there’s Grace Hopper, a true trailblazer who invented the first compiler, a tool that translates human-readable code into machine language. Hopper’s work laid the foundation for COBOL, one of the earliest high-level programming languages.
In the post-war era, women continued to make significant strides in IT. The 1950s and 1960s saw influential figures like Jean Sammet, who helped develop COBOL, and Mary Allen Wilkes, who worked on the LINC computer, one of the earliest personal computers. However, as the tech industry grew, it became increasingly male-dominated. Cultural and institutional barriers led to the marginalization of women in IT.
One of the most inspiring yet often overlooked stories is that of the African American women mathematicians at NASA, known as "human computers." Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson were brilliant minds who critically contributed to the U.S. space program.
Their calculations were vital for the success of the Apollo missions and other space endeavors. Despite facing segregation and discrimination, these women persevered and excelled, paving the way for future generations.
Despite these challenges, the modern era has seen a resurgence of women in IT. Initiatives and organizations such as Girls Who Code, Women in Technology International (WITI), and AnitaB.org have been pivotal in supporting women in tech fields.
These organizations provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources to encourage and retain women in IT.
High-profile women in tech today, such as
Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook
Susan Wojcicki, former CEO of YouTube
Timnit Gebru, Co-Founder of the Distributed AI Research Institute, serves as a role model and advocate for gender diversity in the industry.
Dr. Joy Buolamwini, Founder of the Algorithmic Justice League and author of Unmasking AI
Safiya Noble, author of "Algorithms of Oppression"
Angela Benton, Founder and CEO of Streamlytics
Rumman Chowdhury, CEO of Parity, exemplifies the diverse leadership driving ethical and inclusive practices in tech.
Further, prominent leaders like
Aicha Evans, CEO of Zoox,
Jessica O. Matthews, Founder and CEO of Uncharted Power,
as well as prominent industry figures like
Kimberly Bryant, Founder of Black Girls Code, and
Lakecia Gunter, Microsoft's CTO, continues to pave the way. Notably, Sarah Bond, Xbox's president, also plays a critical role in advocating diversity and inclusion within the gaming and tech industry.
Their visibility and success demonstrate that women can and do excel in IT.
How does this tie into sanza? How can femtech help
For every Ada Lovelace, there were thousands of unknown women suffering from menstrual-related symptoms that stopped them from being their best. They pushed forward, often with limited understanding and support for their unique health needs.
Let’s discuss something long overdue: the impact of the menstrual cycle on productivity, creativity, and overall cognitive function.
This topic has been stigmatized and overlooked for too long, but the conversation is finally changing.
At Sanza, we ask questions like, "Imagine the untapped potential if these women had the tools and knowledge to manage their menstrual health effectively."
The menstrual cycle affects women differently, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain and fatigue. These symptoms can influence cognitive functions, mood, productivity, and creativity.
Acknowledging and accommodating these variations can lead to a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
But also...
At Sanza, we are committed to unlocking women's full potential by addressing these issues head-on.
Our AI-powered menstrual cycle scheduler is designed to help women optimize their productivity and well-being by syncing their tasks with their hormonal cycles.
This proactive approach allows users to plan their schedules around their natural rhythms, enhancing efficiency and reducing stress.
Our goal is to ensure that the next generation of women in IT and STEM can thrive without being held back by menstrual-related challenges.
Women's history in IT is rich with pioneering figures and groundbreaking achievements despite significant barriers.
Today, the industry is making strides towards gender diversity and inclusion.
By acknowledging and accommodating the unique challenges faced by women, the IT industry can continue to evolve into a more inclusive and innovative field.
Femtech apps...
Women have been kicking ass in IT since the 1800s.
We’re just carrying the torch and ensuring the path is brighter and broader for the next generation. With Sanza, we’re not just recognizing the potential of women in IT and STEM—we’re unleashing it.
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