These 5 essential inventions by women changed the world

This incredible contribution to modern living was invented by Florence Parpart in 1914. She was one of the few women at the time who filed for a patent under her own name.

What’s more, the refrigerator wasn’t the only invention that she has to her name. Florence is also remembered as the inventor of the street sweeper.

Windshield wipers are essential for safety on the road and it’s hard to imagine modern transportation without them. The woman behind this device was Mary Anderson who registered the patent in 1903 - at the dawn of the automotive era.

The most beloved cookie in the world was invented by Ruth Graves Wakefiled. The chef received a lifetime’s supply of chocolate from Nestle Corporation, to whom she ended up selling the recipe.

What would the world be without hot showers? One thing is for sure - mornings would definitely be bleaker.

This incredible contribution was made by Ida Forbes circa 1917. She is still celebrated in advertisements and on product labels and she deserves every bit of the praise.

The one-handed syringe made a real difference in the lives of patients and doctors one day. Operability was suddenly easier for medical professionals, and patients that needed to self administer shots were suddenly less dependent on outside help. Letitia Mumford Geer is the woman to thank for this medical advance.