When we think of the tech industry today, we often picture a fast-paced, male-dominated world of startups and silicon chips. But long before the rise of modern tech giants, women were already laying the foundations of computing. In fact, the first generation of women in tech didn’t just participate — they led, innovated, and revolutionized the field. Their stories are powerful reminders of how women have always belonged in tech.
Ada Lovelace: The Original Programmer
Let’s start at the very beginning — with Ada Lovelace. In the 1840s, she collaborated with Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine, a theoretical computing machine. Lovelace wrote what is considered the first computer algorithm, making her the world’s first programmer — long before computers even existed. She also predicted that machines could do more than just crunch numbers, envisioning their potential to create music and art. Visionary is an understatement.
The Women of ENIAC: Coding in Secret
Fast forward to World War II, and women were once again at the forefront of computing. The U.S. military developed ENIAC, the world’s first programmable, electronic general-purpose computer, to calculate ballistic trajectories. The programming — all of it — was done by six women: Kay McNulty, Betty Jennings, Betty Snyder, Marlyn Wescoff, Fran Bilas, and Ruth Lichterman.
They programmed without manuals, without proper recognition, and without formal training — because there were no textbooks on coding yet. These women figured it out from scratch, using logic and ingenuity. Yet their contribution was hidden from public view for decades.
Grace Hopper: The Queen of Code
If you’ve ever used a programming language, you owe a debt to Grace Hopper. A U.S. Navy rear admiral and computer scientist, she developed the first compiler, which transformed human-readable code into machine-readable instructions. This made programming more accessible and eventually led to the creation of COBOL, one of the earliest high-level programming languages.
Hopper is also credited with popularizing the term “debugging,” after finding a moth stuck in a computer relay. Her legacy is one of brilliance, persistence, and practicality — a true role model for generations to come.
Women in Tech During WWII and Beyond
During WWII, many women joined computing out of necessity, working as “computers” (human calculators) in both the U.S. and U.K. In Britain, the women of Bletchley Park, including Joan Clarke, played critical roles in codebreaking — efforts that helped end the war and saved countless lives.
Yet when the war ended, many women were pushed out of these roles as men returned from combat. Despite their contributions, history largely forgot these pioneers, and the industry shifted toward a male-dominated space.
Why Their Stories Matter Today
The stories of these early tech pioneers aren’t just feel-good history. They are proof that women have always had the talent, creativity, and technical acumen to lead in tech. Their achievements remind us that diversity drives innovation — and that breaking barriers isn’t new for women in this field.
As we work to bring more girls into tech today, we’re not starting something new — we’re reclaiming a legacy.
Building on Their Legacy
The first generation of women in tech were trailblazers, innovators, and visionaries. They wrote the first code, debugged the first computers, and imagined the future we live in now. It’s up to us to tell their stories, celebrate their contributions, and make sure the next generation knows that they, too, belong in tech.
