Women's History Month - 3 trailblazing women in tech

Every March, we celebrate Women’s History Month by immersing ourselves in the history and achievements of women all over the world. Women are still very much outnumbered in technology, with the most recent figures showing that the percentage of women in IT roles is still at 26%. However, despite this, many women have had a huge impact on the history of technology, and have shaped the way we live today. Learn more about three of these inspirational trailblazers in our latest newsletter.

Ada Lovelace - the world’s first computer programmer

When we think of notable women in tech’s history, many people’s minds would go to Ada Lovelace. She is widely considered the first computer programmer to exist due to her pioneering work on the notes she wrote about Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine, an early mechanical general-purpose computer. Ada used her extraordinary mathematical brain to work on writing algorithms for this machine, making her the visionary behind the concept of computer programming long before the existence of modern computers.

Ada’s work was not recognised as it should have been during her lifetime due to the machine she wrote about not being created. However, her remarkable legacy truly lives on to this day, as since 2009, we have celebrated her life and work every year on Ada Lovelace Day. This awareness day was set up by a fellow technologist to honour and celebrate Ada’s achievements and has solidified her place as one of technology’s most notable women.

Grace Hopper - the queen of code

Grace Hopper was an American computer scientist and mathematician whose work on coding pioneered how we use the technology today. Affectionately known as ‘Amazing Grace’, Hopper’s impact on computer programming truly started when she decided to join the military effort in 1943. She joined the U.S. Naval Reserve (Women’s Reserve) and whilst there worked for another computer pioneer Howard Aiken on one of the earliest versions of an electromechanical computer.?

Later in 1949 Grace joined the Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corporation in Philadelphia as senior mathematician, where some of her most notable work took place. In 1952, Hopper’s programming team developed a compiler which translated programmer’s instructions into computer codes. This work led her to be involved in developing one of the earliest standardised computer languages; COBOL. The work which Grace and her team undertook has mapped out much of what we now know of computer programming languages, and is still used today.

Annie Easley - Legacy in the face of adversity

Annie Easley was a pioneering African-American computer scientist who fought hard to get to where she was in technology. She grew up in a time of racial segregation and faced numerous obstacles in pursuing her passion for mathematics and science because she was a black woman. Despite these challenges, Annie excelled academically, graduating with a degree in pharmacy from Xavier University in New Orleans. Annie’s impact on technology’s history really began when she was working for NASA (which was called NACA at the time). In Ohio, Annie began her career as a ‘human computer’, performing complex mathematical calculations by hand to support research in aeronautics and space exploration. With time, Annie transitioned to programming and her work was instrumental in developing software that simulated energy usage and optimised power systems for space missions, laying the groundwork for advancements in renewable energy and electric vehicle technology.

Her legacy serves as a huge inspiration for everyone, particularly women of colour, as she fought through adversity to pursue her passion in technology and mathematics.?

These three women have had a huge impact on the trajectory of technology and computer programming as we know it today. Without their work, we would not be where we are. Honouring these incredible legacies is a fundamental part of propelling women forward in technology. Currently, just 22% of students can name a famous woman in technology history - this is compared to 66% who can name a famous male. By showcasing amazing women like these three we can inspire generations of girls to come.?

You can read more about Ada, Grace and Annie in our guide; 10 famous women in technology who changed the world.?