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The First Women's Rights Convention
This event was held in New York where 100 people (men and women) signed the Declaration of Sentiments. This is a significant event as it led to decades of activism. One of the organizers of this event was Elizabeth Cady Stanton, known for her leadership and activism for women.
Here is a video explaining the convention. -
Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton
These two women were some of the most involved women during activism for women's rights. They founded the National Woman Suffrage Association in 1868. More on their story. -
Wyoming Passes Woman Suffrage Permanently
Wyoming was the first state to permanently grant women the right to vote. Some states soon followed, such as Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. However, the voting right was not yet adopted nationally. -
Jeannette Rankin
A long-time women's activist and member of the National Woman Suffrage Association, she is now sworn in as the first woman to be in Congress, specifically in the House of Representatives.
More about her story. -
The 19th Amendment
In 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified to the U.S. Constitution, giving the right to vote without being denied on account of sex.
Here is the direct quote from the Constitution. -
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Esther Peterson
Esther Peterson was the driving force behind the Equal Pay Act of 1963 as she continuously used her position in Washington D.C. to fight for women's rights. More on her life. -
The Alaska Equal Rights Act and Elizabeth Peratrovich
Alaska became the first state to sign a state anti-discrimination law in the United States. This law ended discrimination against Alaskan Natives and other non-white residents. This was mainly led by Elizabeth Peratrovich, Grand President of the Alaska Native Sisterhood. -
Equal Pay Act
This law was signed by President John F. Kennedy and it prohibits sex-based wage discrimination. This is quite a significant event as many women were working the same job as men, sometimes even harder, and did not get compensated fairly because of their sex. The Equal Pay Act. -
The National Organization for Women
Founded by Betty Friedan, this organization promoted feminist ideals and aimed to protect the equal rights of women in all aspects of American life. The National Organization for Women's website. -
Roe v. Wade
The Constitution now protects a woman's legal right to an abortion. This was a significant event as it was a landmark court case that sparked support as well as protests. Here is a short breakdown of the case -
Sandra Day O'Connor
She becomes the first woman to serve in the U.S. Supreme Court after being sworn in by President Ronald Reagan. She served for a total of 24 years before retiring. Here is more on her story. -
Janet Reno
Due to President Bill Clinton's nomination, Reno became the first female attorney general of the United States. More on her story. -
Violence Against Women Act
President Bill Clinton signed this act and provided funding for programs that help victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other violence related to women. Here is more information on this Act. -
Kamala Harris
Harris is sworn in as the first woman, and woman of color, vice president of the United States. She was selected by Joe Biden as his running mate. More information on Harris's time as Vice President -
Roe v. Wade Overturned
After 50 years of protecting abortion rights for women, the Supreme Court decided to overturn the ruling. This is a very significant event as abortion rights are now one of America's most debated arguments, especially continuing through the 2024 election season. More information on the overturn of Roe v. Wade.