Women’s Rights By Linda Stowe
I used to be a secretary. I also used to be a housewife. Both terms are now considered passé and probably a bit sexist. These days we use the terms admin and homemaker. Both changes in terminology began in the 1970s with the renewal of the feminist movement. Contrary to what some believe, this was not the first or only feminist movement in the United States. Over time, women have banded together again and again to make their voices heard.
The first feminist wave began in the early 20th century and focused on securing women’s right to vote. Women gained the right to vote in 1920 with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.
The second wave swept through US society beginning in the 1960s. This movement expanded women’s rights in social and cultural equality, challenging gender roles, and promoting women’s liberation in areas like sexuality and reproductive rights. This wave led to landmark legislation including abortion rights in 1973 and no-fault divorce in 1974.
The third wave emerged in the early 1990s focusing on diversity and led to a variety of DEI initiatives in education, the workplace, and other areas of society. The fourth wave began in the 2010s and addressed issues like sexual harassment, body image, and online harassment. The Me Too Movement and the 2017 International Women’s March emerged from this social action.
The women’s rights movement continues to evolve, experiencing both progress and setbacks. These days the anti-feminist movement feels particularly strong as they attempt to undo the progress that has been made. However, if you think about the progress women have made since we gained the right to vote in 1920, it becomes clear that things will never go back to the way they were. Our college enrollment and completion rates are significantly higher, and women know how to work together. We’re heading in the right direction.
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Polly here. I especially wanted to share this overview of women’s movements from Linda. I love that it feels hopeful. I love that she pointed out the good things that have been happening. Hope is good. But on the flip side of that, women in the United States (and all around the world) continue to face many challenges. Many people today are worried about women’s rights. Perhaps rightfully so.
There are several things that fuel this. More states have enacted stricter laws restricting reproductive healthcare, contraception, or access to abortion.
Also, some very old legal precedents could be used to challenge or limit other women’s rights tied to privacy or personal autonomy.
Above and beyond those things. The enforcement of anti-discrimination laws has been weakened or negated altogether. Not only for women in general, but especially for gender identity, LGBTQ status, reproductive health, etc.
It goes on. Funding cuts or political interference have undermined access to healthcare, clinics, and related services for women.
So are “women’s rights in danger”? Are we taking five steps backward for every one step forward?
As it is, many civil rights / reproductive rights / gender equality advocates believe that some women’s rights are in danger. This is truer in several states and under certain legal regimes.
All that being said, we have come a long way since the founding of this country, where women’s rights are concerned. I hope that we will keep moving forward on the path to equality with men.
