Well, the x-ray? Madame Curie? But that’s the only one I can think of at the top of my head. Of course, women weren’t often in a position to make those discoveries.
But I also believe that there are differences in male and female brains; perhaps men’s brains are more suited to that type of innovation, etc.
Plus, socially, women are (on some level, at least), looking for a suitable mate/father of their children, during the prime years, whereas men are more focused on their careers or even, perhaps, their hobbies, which could lead to innovation (I’m thinking of Bill Gates, etc.).
I’m just rambling. Your question is a thoughtful one, which likely has many answers or explanations.
I believe that both the washing machine and windshield wipers are women inventions. Not absolutely positive.
While that was true in 1914 or 1814, is it really still so in 2014? There are more females in college here than males and the pay gap can be explained by maternity. GM's CEO is a woman.