International Women’s Day : 5 Women And The Groundbreaking Car Features They Developed

Here are 5 women who helped developed essential car features, including windshield wipers, turn signals, brake lights, and GPS.

The International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated globally every year on March 8 to emphasise on their rights, especially to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

According to the official website, beginning early 1900s, “International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.”

In recognition of International Women’s Day, AutoJosh, Nigeria’s authoritative car blog, celebrates five (5) historic women who helped developed groundbreaking features in the automotive industry.

Austrian-born American film actress and inventor, Hedy Lamarr (November 9, 1914 – January 19, 2000, was the innovator of the communication system used in cellular technology, Wi-Fi and GPS.

Actress and automobile enthusiast, Florence Lawrence, was the pioneer of brake and turn signals. Explaining why she never patented her invention, the movie star said her inventions were simply for the good of all mankind.

British racing driver and journalist, Dorothy Levitt (January 1882 – 17 May 1922) was the creator of the rearview mirror. In addition, she was a holder of the world’s first water speed record and the women’s world land speed record holder.

Pioneering automobile engineer and businesswoman, Dorothée Pullinger (13 January 1894 – 28 January 1986) was the innovator of the rearview mirror.

American mathematician Dr. Gladys West (born October 27 1930 – present) is the pioneer of the modern-day the Global Positioning System (GPS).

• See Also : Ford’s ‘Men’s Only Edition’ Explorer Doesn’t Have Car Features Developed By Women