July 20, 1969, marked a historic day for humanity as astronauts first set foot on the moon. While this event is widely celebrated, there lies a hidden narrative within this monumental achievement, often overshadowed by the astronauts' feat. This narrative is about a woman whose contributions were instrumental in the success of the Apollo 11 mission.

At the heart of this lesser-known story is Margaret Hamilton, a computer scientist whose groundbreaking work in software engineering revolutionized the field. Hamilton's contributions to the Apollo 11 mission were critical. She developed the onboard flight software that navigated and guided the lunar module to the moon's surface. Her foresight in programming and problem-solving safeguarded the mission against potential disasters.

Margaret's approach to software engineering encapsulated the ethos of "failing forward." She anticipated potential problems and created solutions, ensuring that if errors occurred, the system would recover and continue its operation. This philosophy of learning from failures and setbacks later became a cornerstone in the tech industry, particularly in Silicon Valley.

Hamilton's story transcends individual achievement. It is a testament to the integral role women have played—and continue to play—in shaping the trajectory of technology and space exploration. Her intellect and tenacity were the silent forces propelling the Apollo 11 mission, ensuring that the astronauts' historic steps on the moon were guided by her flawlessly functioning code.

The narrative of pioneering women in technology, like Margaret Hamilton, serves as a source of inspiration. These women pursued excellence in their fields, overcoming obstacles and breaking barriers. Their stories not only highlight their contributions but also illuminate the path for future generations of women in tech and space exploration.

In reflecting on these stories, it's essential to recognize the advancements in technology and the contribution of women in these fields. The journey of early computing, for instance, in places like Cyprus, offers insights into the technological strides made over the years. Such reflections encourage continued efforts to welcome more women into the forefront of technological innovation.

Recognizing the achievements of women like Margaret Hamilton is about more than honoring the past. It's about shaping the future by breaking the metaphorical 20% barrier, advocating for greater gender diversity in technology and space exploration. By celebrating these trailblazers, we inspire a new generation of women to embark on careers in these exciting and evolving fields.

Listen to the full episode of Breaking the 20% with Elena Georgiou Strouthos and her guest Mr. Charalampos Theopemptou, former President of the Cyprus Green Party .