When people talk about inventors, the same names get tossed around: Edison. Tesla. Steve Jobs. Maybe da Vinci, if someone’s feeling intellectual.
But behind some of the most life-changing innovations—things you probably use every single day—are women you’ve never heard of.
These aren’t side characters in science history. These are women who changed the game in tech, medicine, climate science, everyday convenience, and even how your house stays warm in winter.
So, ready to meet the women who rewrote the blueprint?
1. Shirley Ann Jackson – The Tech Behind Caller ID and Fiber Optics
While working at Bell Labs, this nuclear physicist’s research contributed to the development of technologies like caller ID, call waiting, and fiber optic communications.
Without Shirley, we’d still be answering unknown numbers and screaming “WHO IS THIS?” into landlines.
2. Marion Donovan – Invented the First Leak-Proof Diaper
Sick of soggy cloth diapers and pin pricks, Marion took a shower curtain and sewing machine—and created the first waterproof diaper cover in 1946.
Pampers and Huggies owe their entire existence to her innovation.
3. Patricia Bath – Invented Laser Eye Surgery for Cataracts
Bath was the first Black woman doctor to receive a medical patent. She invented the Laserphaco Probe, which revolutionized laser-based cataract surgery and restored sight to people who had been blind for decades.
She literally gave people their vision back.
4. Letitia Geer – Invented the One-Handed Syringe
In 1899, Geer patented a revolutionary syringe design that could be operated with just one hand—making vaccinations and medical treatment far more efficient.
The reason nurses don’t need two people to give you a shot? Letitia.
5. Ann Tsukamoto – Co-Patented the Process to Isolate Human Stem Cells
This badass molecular biologist co-patented a method to isolate blood-forming stem cells, which is critical for treating cancer and immune disorders.
Her work helped pave the way for life-saving bone marrow transplants.
6. Margaret Knight – Invented the Machine That Makes Flat-Bottomed Paper Bags
She was dubbed “the female Edison” in her time. At 33, she designed a machine to mass-produce paper bags with flat bottoms, changing retail and grocery shopping forever.
Every paper bag you’ve ever held? That’s Margaret.
7. Dr. Ruth Benerito – Invented Wrinkle-Free Cotton
She made mornings easier by creating a process to make cotton wrinkle-resistant, stain-resistant, and flame-resistant, revolutionizing textiles.
You can thank her for not having to iron your damn shirts every day.
8. Alice Parker – Invented the First Central Heating System Using Natural Gas
Way back in 1919, Alice designed a gas-powered heating system with individual room temperature control.
Her idea became the basis for modern central heating. Cozy winters? That’s all her.
9. Sarah Mather – Invented the Submarine Telescope and Lamp
In the 1800s, she invented a device that allowed people to see underwater from a ship—revolutionizing underwater exploration and military surveillance.She made underwater sneak peeks possible before it was cool.
10. Katsuko Saruhashi – Invented a Method to Measure Carbon Dioxide in Seawater
This Japanese geochemist created a first-of-its-kind technique to measure CO₂ in oceans, pioneering climate science before the world even cared. She proved nuclear fallout had reached the ocean—before anyone else realized it was possible.
Surprised? Good. Inspired? Even better.
These women were not just ahead of their time—they bent time and technology around their curiosity and brilliance.
About the Author:
Madhu (she/her) has been an avid reader of all things spicy since her childhood. She writes sassy blog posts and listicles now so that others may benefit from her wholly inappropriate, wholly informative tastes, too.
