Between 1937 and 1949. JRRT likely never saw those Jirel of Joiry stories.
But here is the thing- previously in fantasy, women were- evil crones, damsels in distress, princesses to be rescued, babes to be lusted over and flung over the hero’e brawny back like a sack of loot. JRRT women were none of those things. They were strong, confident, powerful women. Eowyn killed the Witch-King- which even Gandalf was powerless to do. Galadriel defied Sauron.