Five ways women have historically powered the economy

Core Insights - The article presents a revised economic history that emphasizes the significant role of women in the development of the global economy throughout history [1] Group 1: Historical Contributions of Women - Women were the creators of global money, using cloth as a primary currency during the Bronze Age, which facilitated trade and economic connections across regions [2] - In ancient Rome, women not only owned businesses but also contributed to the construction of cities, with a notable percentage of brick suppliers and plumbers being women [3] - Khadija, a prominent businesswoman in the sixth century, played a crucial role in international trade and the economic prosperity of the early Islamic Empire, which became the richest region during the eighth to eleventh centuries [4] Group 2: Technological and Financial Innovations - Women in preindustrial China, such as Huang Dao Po, were key technological innovators, significantly increasing productivity in cotton cloth production through advanced techniques [5] - The establishment of consumer banking was pioneered by women like Priscilla Wakefield and Maggie L. Walker, who made banking accessible to underserved populations, thus shaping the modern banking landscape [7] Group 3: Economic Impact - The historical contributions of women have been instrumental in powering successful economies from the Bronze Age to modern times, highlighting the importance of women's economic freedom in achieving prosperity [8]