The history of women’s rights in America is a slow yet progressive process. In August 1920 woman finally gained the right to vote, and since then many more rights have been enacted. Here are 5 important rights that women have pushed for and been successful in achieving: (Pinterest)
1. Equal access and pay in the work force
In 1968 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued a vote that banned newspapers and ads from listing jobs as gender-based, allowing women access to any job they are qualified and capable of doing. Then in 1970 a law was passed that stated all women would be payed equal to men in a job of the same caliber. Women still fight for equality in the workplace especially revolving around issues of sexual harassment, but the working woman has come a long way.
2. Access to credit
Starting in 1974, a women could walk into a bank, sign up for a credit card, and begin building a credit score. What’s the big deal? She was finally able to do so without her husband’s signature, and the card was in her name. In a world of independent women, and in a world growing more expensive every day, a credit card meant financial responsibility and freedom. This tiny piece of plastic was a big leap forward for women and their voice in the world.
3. The right to divorce because of Irreconcilable Differences
Before 1974 women had to have reasonable proof of mistreatment, abuse, or unfaithfulness to divorce from their husbands. Now, being allowed to divorce because of “irreconcilable differences” it began to highlight the shift in marriage of women being codependent and inferior to women being an equal partner in a marriage.
4. Allowed on the front lines of battle
Women have always played some role in the military, in the beginning as nurses and caretakers to the wounded, and then eventually integrated into the branches at all levels. It was not until 2013 however, when the Pentagon approved women in combat, that women were allowed on the front lines and in special ops that deployed in highly unsafe areas. There is still much debate about women being in the military as many believe that will lead to lower standards and then a less skilled military. But I predict it will only be a matter of time before there are woman becoming Navy Seals.
5. Marriage Equality
In 2005 states began to legalize same-sex marriage, and in 2015 the Supreme Court reached a decision that gay marriage is legal for anyone in the United States. Yes, this topic is controversial, and it is not as though suddenly this ban fixed all the discrimination in our country, but it was a very large stepping stone. This law did further the equal rights for women in this country, but it expanded the rights for all people of every sexual orientation and gender.
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With an election in November that will be revolutionary no matter the turn of events, it is important to remember our right as women to vote, and our right to equal rights. I also ask that we all remember that in fighting for women’s rights we should fight for the rights of the minorities and any other class or group of people who believe their voices are not being heard. We are one race, the human race.