19 photos of amazing women who changed the world and made history

Have you ever stopped to think who invented everyday objects like a simple disposable diaper? Who is behind wifi technology? Or even, who was the first woman to go into space? Or the first to win a Nobel Prize?

We are so used to associating great inventions and discoveries with male names that we forget how many women contributed to the evolution of humanity.

From activists to inventors, no matter what field they were in, women have earned their place in history by being able to change the vision of an entire society for decades – or even centuries.

The problem, however, is that for many years they had their names hidden and even censored.

And thinking about honoring all of them, this list brings twenty women and their contributions that changed the world, after all, “Who run the world? GIRLS!”

1. Heddy Lammar

If today we live connected via Wireless, it is thanks to the Austrian invention. In addition to being a Hollywood actress, Lammar is responsible for creating a communication system for the United States Armed Forces during World War II, the invention ended up serving as the basis for cell phones, wifi and bluetooth that we know today.

2. Marion Donovan

Just imagine having to wash dozens of cloth diapers, clothes and bedding sets every day. Donovan invented what we know today as disposable diapers in 1949 in order to make life easier for the modern woman. Thanks!

3. Maria Telkes

In 1948, Telkes developed the first house that used the sun as its main source of energy. And he also invented the thermoelectric generator and refrigerator.

4. Letitia Geer

In 1899, he made life easier for health professionals by inventing the syringe. To this day, syringes are inspired by the model created by Letitia.

5. Kathrine Switzer

She became known for being the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, in 1967. In the photo, organizers of the event try to reach her to remove her from the race. The reason? Be woman.

6. Margaret Hefield

Don’t be fooled, it’s not just about a pretty face. Heafield is one of the key engineers behind the Apollo project, NASA’s greatest achievement.

7. Onna-Bugeisha

This is how Japanese Samurai women were known in the late 1800’s. Tomoe Gozen, Nakano Takeko and Hōjō Masako are great examples of these women.

8. Amelia Earhart

In addition to being an advocate for women’s rights, Amelia is one of the pioneers of North American aviation. She became known for being the first woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean aboard her plane, in 1928.

9. Anne Frank

An icon of strength and resistance, the young writer is known worldwide for having written in her diary the atrocities faced by Jews during the Second World War. “The Diary of Anne Frank” is one of the most read books in the world.

10. Maud Stevens Wagner

First female tattoo artist to be recognized in the United States, in 1907.

11. Helen O’Neal

Hellen was the first woman to skate professionally.

12. Maria da Penha

A symbol of the fight against domestic violence, Maria da Penha became known for fighting for the conviction of her aggressor, so much so that the law that increases the severity of punishments for aggression against women bears her name.

13. Malala Yousafzai

The young Pakistani became known worldwide for advocating the education of girls in her country. She was also the youngest person to receive a Nobel Peace Prize when she was just 16 years old.

14. Nadia Comaneci

At age 14, the Romanian gymnast was the first athlete to earn top marks in artistic gymnastics at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

15. Wangari Muta Maathai

A political environmental activist in Kenya, she was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.

16. Marie Curie

At a time when science was dominated by men, Curie led research into radioactivity, becoming one of the greatest scientists of all time and the first woman in history to win a Nobel Prize.

17. Grace Hopper

Anyone who thinks this lady would never know how to send a message on WhatsApp is wrong. Hopper, Admiral of the US Navy, is responsible for the creation of COBOL, the most used programming language in the commercial area. In addition to revolutionizing computing, she was the first person to use the term “bug”.

18. Angela Davis

Professor, socialist philosopher and member of the Communist Party of the United States. Angela is world-renowned for her militancy for women’s rights and against racism.

19. Sarla Thakral

The young woman was the first woman to receive a pilot’s license in India, 1936.

Bonus: Mesopotamian women

According to historian Jane Peyton, women were the first to produce, improve and even consume one of the most typically male drinks: beer.

And the next time someone says you do something “like a woman”, remember: you do!