The month of March features International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness against bias, and take steps towards equality. The theme for 2022 is “Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.” This International Women’s Day, the world will use #BreakTheBias to support women and emphasize making a change. In the City of Durham’s Department of Transportation, we use this day to highlight women figures who transformed the transportation industry globally. Join us in recognizing: Annie H. Chilton, Mary Anderson, and Gladys West.
Annie H. Chilton – 1891
She developed and patented a combined horse-detacher and vehicle brake. The device allowed real-time braking and the ability to release the horse, which lowered the risk of injuries for drivers.
Mary Anderson – 1903
Mary Anderson created and patented what we know today as windshield wipers. Her creation was inspired after she witnessed streetcar drivers in New York City stop their streetcar in the middle of the road to clean their windshields during the winter. It is important to note; her device was the first to be labeled as effective in clearing windshields, and in 1922 Cadillac began installing the wiper equipment on its cars.
Gladys West– 1979
Growing up with a background in farming, Mrs. West knew a strong educational background was necessary for her success. In the 1960s, she participated in an award-winning study that proved “the regularity of Pluto’s motion relative to Neptune.” She then became the project manager for the Seasat radar altimetry project, the first satellite that could go over the ocean. After programming an IBM 7030 Stretch computer, her team learned that the computer could provide calculations for geographic navigation. Her pioneering efforts in programming computers created what we recognize today as the GPS. Her invention is why we now have accurate time location tracking of the bus systems with apps like Transloc.
Learning and sharing the stories of women’s involvement in the advancement of the transportation industry is how we in the transportation department are working to #BreakTheBias. Women worldwide have continued to be innovators in every sector, and their contributions deserve to be highlighted and celebrated. We encourage you to join in sharing the impacts of women in your everyday circles, from work life to home life. Together we can bring life and celebration to the accomplishments and advancements of women everywhere across the world. Celebrate the women in your life by sharing this article. Happy International Women’s Day.
Additional sources used: https://www.transportation.gov/womenandgirls/timeline/accessible