Women’s History Month Finale

As Women’s History Month ends, there are still notable figures in women’s history that go unnoticed.

Grace O'Malley, MHS Media Writer

Although they are not often recognized, women still deserve to be celebrated. Five women who have made an impact on history, who are overlooked are:

Grace Hopper STEM Academy

Grace Brewster Hopper (1906-1992): Grace Hopper was a computer programmer and U.S Naval Officer. She helped create the first all-electronic digital computer (UNIVAC).  Her work helps computer scientists in programming computer language.

 

 

 

 

 

Nothing in the Rulebook

Sylvia Plath (1932–1963): Sylvia Plath was known for her works in poetry, and one novel. Her works are inspired by her life; both through her trauma and her struggles with mental health. They also detail the difficulties women faced in the 20th century.

 

 

 

 

 

National Geographic, Science Source

Henrietta Lacks (1920-1951): When Henrietta Lacks was 31 years old, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Unbeknownst to Lacks and her family, her cancer cells were taken and studied; it was later discovered that her cells were the very first line of cells that were continuously surviving and growing. Lack’s cells were nicknamed “HeLa cells” and are still being used in medical research today.

 

 

 

 

 

USPTO

Beulah Louise Henry (1887-1973): Beulah Louise Henry, known as “Lady Edison”, was well known for her inventing skills. Her creations helped make daily life easier. Some of her inventions include: toys, sewing machines, and office equipment.

 

 

 

Yale

Rachel Carson (1907-1964): Rachel Carson was a marine biologist and writer, whose work called for the investigation into the dangers of pesticides, and their effects on nature. Her most known work, “Silent Spring”, explained how pesticides were killing birds. This work helped introduce environmental issues to the general population.

 

 

Although Women’s History Month is concluding, women should still be continually recognized for their work. These have been some examples of women who have made a difference, yet there are many more women who have helped shape the world who are forgotten. This month will always serve as a reminder that all women are important, though sometimes lost.