For the last 200 years women have fought for their rights. Their struggle is sometimes called the women’s movements, although the term includes different campaigns. The first wave of organized feminism-the fight for women’s rights-appeared during the 1800s, and was concerned with legal rights, and the right to vote. During the 1960s, a new wove of protest-the women’s liberation movement-appeared that made women’s rights a global issue. By the 1990s, the women’s movement has gained many victories and changed society.

First Wave:

During the 1800s, middle-class women, such as Madame Bodichon campaigned for a married woman’s right to keep her own property, and for the right to education and meaningful work.

Fight for the vote:

From the 1840s, American and British women focused on fighting for the vote, because they believed that only by voting could they improve their situation. The Cause, as it became known, was a long struggle involving hundreds of thousands of women.

Women’s liberation movement:

In the late 1960’s the women’s liberation movement exploded onto the political scene. Increasing numbers of women around the world challenged oppression and traditional female roles. They demanded an end to all forms of sexual discrimination and campaigned around issued such as equal pay, job opportunities, healthcare, childcare, abortion, sexuality, violence towards women and racism.

International Women’s Day

In 1908, socialists in the USA set aside one day for women’s suffrage demonstrations. In the 1970s, feminists revived the idea, and today women worldwide celebrate 8^th march of every year.

Equal rights

During the 1970s, the women’s liberation movement was a major political influence in many countries. It forced the introduction of legislation that ensured equal rights for women by banning sex discrimination at work and in education. However, through this legislation established women’s rights to equal opportunities, inequalities still existed.

Early stirrings

In the 18^th century, women had no rights they were the property of their husbands or fathers. Inspired by the French Revolution, women began to challenge this situation. In 1792 an Englishwoman, Mary Wikkstibecraft, wrote Vindicatin of the Rights of Women. She deplored the fact that married women were kept at home “confined in cages, like the feathered race”, and called for an end to their oppression.

Article Posted By : sreevani  On May 15, 2013lView All Articles

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Women's Movement