Top 10 Surprising Facts About Women’s History

History is full of inspirational women who have shaped the world in ways we often overlook. While we celebrate well-known figures like Marie Curie and Rosa Parks, there are countless hidden figures in women’s history whose contributions remain underappreciated.

Today, I’m sharing 10 surprising facts about women’s history that will challenge what you thought you knew. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, student, educator, or social media sharer, these stories will leave you amazed!

1. The First Computer Programmer Was a Woman

When people think of computer programming, names like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates might come to mind. But did you know that the first computer programmer was a woman in history?

Meet Ada Lovelace

• In the 1840s, Ada Lovelace worked with Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine, an early mechanical computer.
• She wrote what is considered the first computer algorithm, making her a true pioneer in technology.
• Her vision of machines going beyond mere calculation was groundbreaking!

2. A Woman Founded the Oldest University in the World

When we think about education, names like Harvard or Oxford might come to mind. But the world’s oldest university was actually founded by a woman!

Fatima al-Fihri’s Legacy

• In 859 AD, Fatima al-Fihri founded the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco.
• This institution is recognized by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the oldest existing degree-granting university.
• Her contribution to education remains one of the most interesting facts about women in history.

3. Women’s Rights Were More Advanced in Ancient Egypt

While many ancient societies suppressed women’s rights, Ancient Egypt was ahead of its time!

What Women Could Do in Ancient Egypt

• Own property, run businesses, and represent themselves in court.
• Hold high-ranking positions like doctors, priests, and even pharaohs.
• Queen Hatshepsut ruled as Pharaoh in the 15th century BCE, one of the few women to do so.

This is one of those little-known women’s history facts that shows gender equality wasn’t always as bad as we might assume in ancient times!

4. Women Played a Huge Role in the Space Race

The 1969 moon landing was a monumental event, but women’s contributions to history in space exploration often go unnoticed.

Hidden Figures Who Made It Possible

• Katherine Johnson, a NASA mathematician, calculated flight trajectories for Apollo 11.
• Margaret Hamilton developed the onboard software for the moon landing.
• Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space in 1963.

Their impact on technology and space travel is a powerful example of female pioneers in history!

5. A Woman Led One of the Largest Pirate Fleets in History

Pirates are often depicted as rough, bearded men—but did you know that one of the most powerful pirates in history was a woman?

The Story of Ching Shih

• In the early 1800s, Ching Shih commanded a fleet of over 1,800 ships and 80,000 pirates.
• She established strict rules, making her fleet highly disciplined and successful.
• After years of dominance, she retired peacefully—one of the few pirates to do so!

This is one of the most surprising facts about women’s history—and it deserves more recognition.

6. Women Disguised Themselves as Men to Fight in Wars

Throughout history, women weren’t allowed to serve in the military, but that didn’t stop them from fighting!

Notable Women Who Disguised Themselves

• Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a man to fight in the American Revolution.
• Hua Mulan, the legendary Chinese warrior, is believed to have been based on real women.
• Sarah Edmonds served as a Union soldier and spy in the Civil War.

These women in history showed incredible bravery and defied gender norms.

7. The First Woman to Run for U.S. President Was in 1872

Most people think of Hillary Clinton as the first major female presidential candidate, but the first woman in history to run for U.S. President did so way back in 1872.

Victoria Woodhull’s Historic Campaign

• She ran under the Equal Rights Party.
• She was an advocate for women’s suffrage and labor rights.
• Unfortunately, she was arrested before election day on politically motivated charges.

Her women’s achievements in history paved the way for future female political leaders.

8. The First Novel Was Written by a Woman

If you love reading novels, you have a woman in history to thank!

Murasaki Shikibu’s Literary Achievement

• In the 11th century, Murasaki Shikibu, a Japanese court lady, wrote The Tale of Genji.
• It is considered the world’s first novel.
• Her work remains a masterpiece in literature and shows the early impact of women’s contributions to history.

9. A Woman Helped End Segregation with a Court Case Before Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks is an icon of the Civil Rights Movement, but another woman in history took legal action against segregation years earlier.

Claudette Colvin’s Stand Against Segregation

• In 1955, at just 15 years old, Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus.
• She was arrested, but her case was later used to challenge segregation laws in court.
• Despite her bravery, she didn’t get the same recognition as Rosa Parks due to racial and political reasons.

This is one of those hidden figures in women’s history that deserves more attention!

10. Women Were Once Banned from the Olympics

It may seem shocking today, but women were completely banned from the Olympics in ancient Greece. It wasn’t until 1900 that they were allowed to compete!

Milestones for Women in Sports

• Hélène de Pourtalès became the first woman to win an Olympic medal in 1900.
• Alice Coachman became the first Black woman to win gold in 1948.
• Today, women make up nearly half of all Olympic athletes.

The fight for equality in sports is another powerful example of women’s achievements in history.

Final Thoughts: Women’s History Deserves More Recognition

There are so many little-known women’s history facts that prove just how much women have shaped the world. From female pioneers in history to hidden figures in women’s history, these stories remind us that history isn’t just about men—it’s about everyone.

Which of these interesting facts about women in history surprised you the most? Share this post and let’s celebrate these incredible women together!

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