Contact Us

Women Who Shaped Technical Writing: A History of Progress, Struggles, and Successes

Technical writing is an essential part of our digital world, turning complex technical concepts into clear, understandable documentation. From user manuals to online help systems, technical communication is everywhere. However, like many industries, the field has had its share of challenges when it comes to gender equality. While women have made incredible strides, their journey has been marked by struggles, overlooked contributions, and trailblazing successes.

Let’s look at the history of women in technical writing, from early pioneers to modern-day leaders who are shaping the field today.

Alt text: Statue of Hildegard von Bingen against greenery and a cloudy blue sky. Caption reads: "Primarily known as a mystic and a writer of poetry and music, [Hildegard’s] technological and medical texts have gained interest in the medical community. Her texts "Physica" and "Causae Curae," written in the style of modern-day patient history and physicals, outline patient symptoms, causes and effects, preceded by a treatment plan." -Susan Rauch, Ph. D., Proposal Development Consultant

Early Trailblazers: Women Who Set the Stage

Women were creating technical documents long before “technical writing” became a defined profession. Some historians argue that Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400), with his publication A Treatise on the Astrolabe, was one of the earliest technical writers (see Chaucer: A Technical Writing Tale). However, even before Chaucer, Hildegard von Bingen (1098–1179) was writing medical-technical documents, such as Physica and Causae et Curae, outlining patient symptoms, causes, and treatments.

The Industrial Revolution of the late 19th century brought a demand for technical documentation to accompany new machinery. Though male engineers designed the technology, women often wrote the instructional materials. Many were secretaries or stenographers, professions traditionally assigned to women, yet they played a critical role in translating technical jargon into understandable content.

One such pioneer was Margaret E. Knight (1838–1914). Knight invented a machine that could automatically cut, fold, and glue flat-bottomed bags, enabling the mass production of paper bags. Primarily an inventor, Knight created detailed drawings and plans to support her patent applications. She was one of the first to document her technical inventions in ways that made them accessible to others, paving the way for future technical communicators.

Alt text: Grace Hopper surrounded by young men while looking at documentation for an old computer from the mid-20th century. Caption reads: "What I was after in beginning English language [programming] was to bring another whole group of people able to use the computer easily...I kept calling for more user friendly languages. Most of the stuff we get from academicians, computer science people, in no way adapted to people." -Rear Admiral Grace Hopper

Facing Barriers in the 20th Century

Despite their growing contributions, women faced significant barriers in technical writing. The field was closely linked to engineering and technology—industries dominated by men. Women were often relegated to administrative roles rather than recognized as professionals in their own right.

During and after World War II, the need for documentation increased significantly. However, even as women worked on critical wartime and postwar technical documentation, they were still seen as temporary employees rather than key contributors to the field. The assumption remained that technical writing was better suited for men, a belief that women continually worked to challenge.

Breaking Barriers: 1960s–1980s

By the 1960s and 1970s, technical writing had become a more established profession, especially with the rise of the technology sector. More women entered the field, proving their expertise and pushing for recognition, including: 

  • Rear Admiral Grace Hopper (1906–1992) – A pioneer in computer science, Hopper not only helped develop programming languages but also wrote the first comprehensive computer manual, the 561-page A Manual of Operation for the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, for the Mark I computer. She championed the use of user-friendly programming languages like Common Business Oriented Language (COBOL), making computing more accessible.
  • Mary M. Schaefer (1912–2001) – The first woman president of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), Schaefer worked as a technical editor and communicator for the U.S. War Department and the Naval Research Laboratory. Her articles, such as How to Cope with Gobbledygook, emphasized clear and effective technical communication.
  • Betty Jane “BJ” Williams (1919–2008) – A pioneering pilot and aerospace engineering technical writer, Williams served in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. She later wrote technical documents for aerospace engineering and military training programs. Her training and motivational programs were part of the Air Force’s first video production.

Despite their successes, women still struggled with sexism and underrepresentation. Their contributions were often downplayed, and they were frequently excluded from leadership roles.

Alt text: JoAnn Hackos working on a laptop at Stevens Institute of Technology. Caption reads: "[Hackos'] insights into content strategy have been instrumental in helping companies modernize their documentation processes to meet the demands of an increasingly digital and interconnected world." -Curt Robbins, Senior Technical Writer and Business Analyst

The 1990s–2000s: Women Take the Lead

The rise of the internet and rapid advancements in software and hardware increased the demand for clear, concise technical communication. Women took on larger leadership roles, shaping the profession’s future. As of late 2024, women were 59.8 percent of all technical writers in the U.S. 

Leading Women in Technical Writing
  • Sarah O’Keefe – Founder of Scriptorium Publishing (1997), O’Keefe continues to be a driving force in content strategy and technical writing. She has written extensively on XML, DITA, and structured content management, helping organizations improve their documentation practices.
  • Dr. JoAnn Hackos – A key advocate for structured content, Hackos has been instrumental in improving information development  and topic-based writing approaches. Her books, such as Managing Your Documentation Projects and Content Management for Dynamic Web Delivery, remain essential reading for technical writers and content strategists.

By the early 2000s, more women held leadership positions in technical writing organizations, including the STC. Their influence led to greater recognition of technical writing as a strategic business function rather than just an auxiliary role.

Alt text: Frustrated-looking woman working at laptop. There’s a stack of papers on her desk and several sticky notes on her window. Caption reads: “Many women also served as technical writers, systems analysts, and programmers in emerging computer companies. Their specialized knowledge in mathematics, logic, and problem-solving made them key contributors to an industry that was rapidly expanding. Despite these vital roles, their contributions were often overlooked, and they received fewer promotions or public recognition compared to their male counterparts." -André Machado

Modern Challenges for Women in Technical Writing

Despite progress, women still face significant challenges in the field.

  • Lack of Diversity. The field remains predominantly white, with women of color facing additional barriers to entry and advancement. Many companies lack targeted diversity initiatives, mentorship opportunities, or equitable hiring and promotion practices. This lack of inclusion not only limits career growth but also affects retention rates for underrepresented women in the industry.
  • Work-Life Balance. Many women juggle work, family, and personal responsibilities, leading to burnout and limited career growth. The pressure to excel professionally while managing caregiving roles disproportionately affects women. Companies that fail to offer flexible work options, parental leave, or supportive workplace policies risk losing talented female professionals who are forced to choose between career progression and personal responsibilities.
  • Imposter Syndrome. Many women in technical writing struggle with self-doubt due to a lack of visible role models and mentors in leadership positions. This can lead to hesitancy in pursuing promotions, negotiating salaries, or asserting expertise in male-dominated technical fields. Companies that actively support mentorship programs and professional development can help bridge this confidence gap and foster a more inclusive work environment.

Alt text: Smiling woman working on a laptop lean transparent wall to server room. Caption reads: "As the education system has become more diverse over the past half-century (since the 1960s) and women have gained greater access to more educational materials, practical training, as well as opportunities for career advancement and achievement, this field of writing has grown, and continues to grow, more inclusive." -Devon James, Rowan University 
The Future of Women in Technical Writing

The future holds both challenges and opportunities. With the rise of AI, augmented reality, and interactive documentation, women are at the forefront of transforming technical communication. Leaders like Kristina Halvorson, CEO of Brain Traffic, are championing content strategy and pushing for more diverse representation in the field.

We hope that women will continue to break barriers, achieve equal pay, and secure more leadership roles. Organizations that support women by offering mentorship, equal pay, and work-life balance initiatives will thrive in innovation and productivity.

Alt text: Magnifier glass finding “BUG” in red letters in blue code on a black screen. Caption reads: “Fun fact: Grace Hopper helped develop the Mark II and Mark III computers for the Navy. One night in 1945 she and her colleagues had a problem with the Mark II. After taking the machine apart, they found a large moth. "Although the term 'bug' had been used by engineers since the 19th century to describe a mechanical malfunction, Hopper was the first to refer to a computer problem as a 'bug’ and to speak of 'debugging' a computer." – YaleNews

Celebrating Women’s Contributions

Women have played a crucial role in shaping technical writing—from early stenographers and inventors to today’s content strategists and tech leaders. While the road has been challenging, their contributions have been undeniable.

As we look to the future, we celebrate the progress made and remain committed to pushing for a more inclusive, equitable technical writing industry. Women will continue to be at the heart of this transformation, writing the next chapter in the evolution of technical communication.

Related Blogs

Chaucer: A Technical Writing Tale

Heroes in the Shadows: Technical Writers of WWII

The Technical Writing Legacy of the Founding Fathers

 
Resources

James, Devon. “A More Inclusive Future for Technical Writers.” Rowan University Department of Writing Arts. Accessed 2/4/25. https://www.rowanwritingarts.org/a-more-inclusive-future-for-technical-writers 

“Grace Murray Hopper (1906-1992): A legacy of innovation and service.” YaleNews. 2/11/17. Accessed 2/3/25. https://news.yale.edu/2017/02/10/grace-murray-hopper-1906-1992-legacy-innovation-and-service 

“Kristina Halvorson.” Brain Traffic. Accessed 2/4/25. https://www.braintraffic.com/authors/kristina-halvorson 

“Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 1/29/25. Accessed 2/4/25. https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11.htm 

Malone, Edward A. “The First Wave (1953-1961) of the Professionalization Movement in Technical Communication.” Technical Communication Magazine. November, 2011. Accessed 2/3/25. https://www.stc.org/techcomm/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/08/november-2011-58-4.pdf 

“Margaret E. Knight Machine for Making Flat-Bottom Paper Bags.” National Inventors Hall of Fame. Accessed 1/30/25. https://www.invent.org/inductees/margaret-e-knight 

Rauch, Susan, Ph.D. “The Accreditation of Hildegard Von Bingen as Medieval Female Technical Writer.” 2012. Accessed 2/3/25. https://www.academia.edu/23227812/the_accreditation_of_hildegard_von_bingen_as_medieval_female_technical_writer 

Robbins, Curt. “Dr. Joann Hackos: Transformative Force in Technical Writing.” LinkedIn. 1/30/25. Accessed 2/4/25. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dr-joann-hackos-transformative-force-technical-writing-curt-robbins-whoic 

“Sarah O’Keefe.” Amazon. Accessed 2/4/25. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001HCXN2W/about 

“Sarah O’Keefe.” LinkedIn. Accessed 2/4/25. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahokeefe 

“Women’s History.” Arlington National Cemetary. Accessed 2/3/25. https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Notable-Graves/Womens-History/1000  

MATC_Logo

+1 (267) 368-7090
contact@matcgroup.com