According to the Vatican, the washing machine has done more to liberate women.
On International Women's Day, the Vatican's newspaper observed: "Some say the pill, some say abortion rights and some the right to work outside the home. Some, however, dare to go further: the washing machine."

"What in the 20th century did more to liberate Western women?," asks the article, which was written by a woman.

I understand why they don't consider birth control to be liberating for women, but seriously?? The goddamn washing machine?

Edit: The comments are full of good points as to why the washing machine was key in helping to liberate women. I stand corrected.