This is Caroline Haslett.
She was an electrical engineer (someone who works with electrical machines and equipment).
She was also an expert on safety and electricity in the home.
She wanted more women to be scientists and engineers.
She believed electricity could change women's lives for the better.
Watch: Caroline Haslett
Caroline Haslett. 'The Woman Engineer.'
Caroline was born in 1895. Her father was an engineer on the railway and he taught her about machines and tools.
She was usually happier playing with nuts and bolts than making doll's clothes.
In 1914 Caroline started work at the Cochran Company, an engineering firm that made boilers, where she was kept busy with orders from the war office.
In 1918 the Cochran Company sent Caroline to Scotland. The men there thought it was unusual for a woman to be so interested in engineering.
After the war, she asked women which electrical appliances they would like in their homes.
In 1924 Caroline was in charge of an association that taught women about electricity.
She later helped the government improve science education for girls.
By 1930 Caroline was well known and gave advice on engineering and electricity.
During World War Two Caroline went on important missions for the British government.
Caroline became a Dame in 1947. She is remembered for opening up the world of engineering to women.
What did Caroline Haslett do?
- Caroline Haslett trained as an engineer during World War One.
- After the war Caroline joined the new Women's Engineering Society. She edited a magazine called 'The Woman Engineer'.
- In 1922 Caroline asked women which new machines would be most useful in the home. The most popular answer was a machine to wash the dishes, followed by a vacuum cleaner. The answers showed that women wanted to spend less time on tiring and repetitive household chores.
- In 1930 Caroline went to the World Power Conference. She was the only woman there.
- Caroline was also a safety expert for the government. She gave advice on plugs and sockets in homes.
- She helped the government improve science education for girls.
- She wanted to open up the world of engineering to women.
Timeline of Caroline Haslett's life
Did you know?
There is a primary school in Buckinghamshire named after her.
Caroline Haslett was a member of the suffragette movement.
In 1947 she was made a Dame for her work for the government.
Activity – Caroline Haslett quiz
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