Celebrating women’s day, and by extension, the month is all about showcasing a holistic experience of womanhood. The journey and milestones, pain and strife, glory and gore, accomplishments and setbacks, all the micro experiences peculiar to women. Of all the terms that have been used to describe them since the first woman, an inventor is not readily associated with women. Think about all the inventions we read about in science class growing up; how many are not men? Well, it turns out a rather large number of women have actually simplified our lives with several inventions. And although we are all familiar with these everyday items, most of us have no idea that, in fact, they were the brainchild of women. Here are some of the biggest women inventors in human history we possibly couldn’t have lived without.

Fiber Optic Cables and Caller ID (the 1970s)

Inventor: Dr. Shirley Jackson

Dr. Shirley Jackson is the first Black woman to graduate with a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her research in telecommunication led to the invention of technology such as fibre optic cables. She is also a leading developer of call waiting and caller ID on mobile phones. As you use a faster internet or receive calls, always remember that a woman is responsible for that.

Laser cataract surgery (1981)

Inventor: Patricia Era Bath

Patricia Bath is the first African-American woman to receive a patent for medical innovation as an ophthalmologist. In 1981, she invented and received a patent for a medical device called a Laserphaco probe. The medical device uses a laser to dissolve cataracts in the eye quickly and painlessly. It then sprays and cleans the eye, which makes inserting a replacement lens much more effortless. The Laserphaco probe is now an internationally safe way to remove cataracts that could cause blindness.

Home security system (1969)

Inventor: Marie Van Brittan Brown

With New York City police being notoriously slow to respond to calls in her neighbourhood, Brown took matters into her own hands and created a home security system with closed-circuit television.

Technology Systems (1998)

Inventor: Kofoworola Akinkugbe OON

One of the most innovative women in Nigeria, Kofo Akinkugbe founded three different solutions: a security management and biometrics company, Interface Technologies Limited, in 1998, SecureID Limited in 2005, and SecureCard Manufacturing in 2012. Her group of companies owns Nigeria’s first SIM card production plant, in operation since December 2016. Certified by Visa, Verve and Mastercard, the company exports SIM cards to 21 other African countries.

Hair Care Products For Black Women (1900s)

Inventor: Madame C.J. Walker

Madame C.J. Walker invented hair care products for African American women and travelled the country promoting her brand. Through calculated marketing, Walker became one of America’s first self-made female millionaires.

Kehindé Fagbule
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Self-identifies as a middle child between millennials and the gen Z, began writing as a 14 year-old. Born and raised in Lagos where he would go on to obtain a degree in the University of Lagos, he mainly draws inspiration from societal issues and the ills within. His "live and let live" mantra shapes his thought process as he writes about lifestyle from a place of empathy and emotional intelligence. When he is not writing, he is very invested in football and sociopolitical commentary on social media.