The woman credited for her contributions to women's education in the 19th century is Mary Lyon. As a pioneer in women's higher education, she founded Mount Holyoke Female Seminary in 1837, the first institution in the U.S. that offered women a rigorous education comparable to men's colleges. Lyon emphasized the importance of education in empowering women and expanding their roles in society. Her vision laid the groundwork for women's colleges across the nation, making significant strides toward gender equality in education, and her legacy continues to influence women's educational opportunities today.