Women’s Rights in the United States

During the 1960s, the Women’s Rights Movement took many forms. First there was the National Organization for Women (NOW). Later, several mass-membership organizations were formed to focus on the needs of different groups of women. These included Black women, Latina women, Asian-American women, and lesbians. Despite the numerous efforts to promote equality, these groups did not achieve their goal of achieving a woman’s right to vote.

Currently, a majority of Americans say that the country has not made much progress on gender equality. While just three percent of Americans feel that the country has come a long way, almost two-thirds of men say that it has not come nearly far enough. Among Democrats and Democratic leaners, women are more likely to say that equal rights are very important. Only 10% of Republicans and Democratic leaners say the same. However, even Democrats are largely supportive of the issue.

Despite the progress that has been made over the years, discrimination against women still persists. Despite the efforts of women organizations and individuals around the world, laws that limit women’s participation in politics, employment, and education continue to exist. In addition, women are the victims of violence and are systematically underrepresented in decision-making positions. In many countries, laws against women are inadequate, resulting in a lack of justice and inadequate sanctions. As such, women are not only victims, but main actors in the struggle for emancipation.

This change was deliberate, and it took decades for women to achieve it. In seven generations, women have been responsible for bringing about dramatic social and legal changes. These changes were initially unpopular, but now, most of them have become accepted in the United States. The Equal Rights Amendment is one of the most important achievements of this movement. The passage of this amendment has led to women enjoying equal rights in many areas of life. Its importance cannot be understated.

The Taliban still rules large portions of Afghanistan, determining the life and freedoms of local women. Moreover, their influence will continue to shape the rights of Afghan women. The Taliban’s regime imposed harsh social restrictions on women, restricting their access to health care, education, and jobs. Taliban also prohibited women from appearing in public without a male chaperon. These social restrictions stifled the economy and the institutions of the country.

In the 1960s, the feminist Margaret Sanger took action to promote birth control. She argued that the government should intervene to prevent gender discrimination. After an unsuccessful attempt by the Department of Labor, the Commission on the Status of Women was established. The report documented the discrimination against women in virtually every facet of American life. Soon after the publication of the report, state and local governments set up women commissions to investigate these conditions and recommend changes.

In the United States, the Women’s Rights Movement had a profound effect on financial liberation. 25 years ago, married women were not able to obtain credit cards in their own names and most women couldn’t get bank loans without a male co-signer. In the same period, women earned 59 cents for every dollar earned by men. Increasing equality made women’s lives better. Many women are now able to work as doctors, dentists, bus drivers, and even airline pilots.