-
1948
Universal decloration of human rights -
1951
convention relating to the status of refugees -
1963
Congress passes the Equal Pay Act, an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, requiring employers to pay all employees equally for equal work, regardless of their gender. -
1968
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issues revised guidelines on sex discrimination, making it clear that the widespread practice of publishing "help wanted" advertisements that use "male" and "female" column headings violates Title VII. -
1972
Congress sends the proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the Constitution to the states for ratification. Originally drafted by Alice Paul in 1923, the amendment reads: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." -
1972
As a result of Title IX, the enrollment of women in athletics programs and professional schools increases dramatically. -
1978
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act amends the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and bans employment discrimination against pregnant women. -
1981
The U.S. Senate votes unanimously to confirm Sandra Day O’Connor as the first woman Supreme Court Justice. She was nominated by President Ronald Reagan. -
1984
Geraldine Ferraro is nominated as first female vice presidential candidate by the Democratic presidential candidate, Walter Mondale. -
1994
The Violence Against Women Act tightens federal penalties for sex offenders, funds services for victims of rape and domestic violence, and provides for special training of police officers.
