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1789 BCE
Declaration of the rights of man - french National Assembly (1789)
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Declaration of the rights of women - olympe de gouges (1791)
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Olympe de Gouges
Olympe de Gouges was a French writer and activist who fought for women’s rights during the French Revolution. She wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen to demand gender equality in politics, law, and society. Because of her bold activism, she was arrested and executed in 1793. -
Seneca Falls Convention (1848)
The Seneca Falls Convention was the first women’s rights convention in the United States, organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. The convention produced the Declaration of Sentiments, which outlined the many ways women were treated unfairly and demanded equal rights, including the right to vote. This event marked the beginning of the organized women’s rights movement in the U.S. -
Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth was a formerly enslaved woman who became a powerful advocate for abolition and women’s rights. She traveled the country giving speeches, including the famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech, which challenged both racial and gender inequalities. Her activism helped shape both the suffrage and civil rights movements. -
Ain't I a women - sojourner truth (1851)
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Susan B. Anthony
Susan B. Anthony was one of the most influential leaders of the women’s suffrage movement. She co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association and played a key role in drafting the 19th Amendment. She was arrested in 1872 for voting illegally, a symbolic act that highlighted the injustice of denying women the right to vote. -
The story of an hour - kate chopin (1894)
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A jury of her peers - susan glaspell (1917)
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19th Amendment Ratified (1920)
After decades of activism by suffragists like Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Chapman Catt, the 19th Amendment was ratified, granting women the right to vote. This was a major milestone in the fight for gender equality, though women of color still faced barriers to voting due to discriminatory laws. The amendment reshaped American democracy by giving millions of women political power. -
Carrie Chapman Catt
Carrie Chapman Catt was a major suffragist and strategist who led the final push for the 19th Amendment. She founded the League of Women Voters to help women exercise their newly gained rights. Her speeches and lobbying efforts were instrumental in securing voting rights for American women. -
Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem emerged as a leader in the second-wave feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s. She co-founded Ms. Magazine, which focused on women’s issues, and fought for reproductive rights, equal pay, and gender equality in the media. She remains a key figure in modern feminism and continues to advocate for women’s rights. -
Equal Pay Act Passed (1963)
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 made it illegal for employers to pay men and women differently for the same job. This law was a response to workplace discrimination, but it didn’t fully eliminate the gender wage gap. It set the foundation for later efforts to achieve wage equality for women. -
Testimony before the senate - carrie chapman catt (1917)
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Roe v. Wade Supreme Court Decision (1973)
The Roe v. Wade decision ruled that women had a constitutional right to abortion under the right to privacy. This was a major victory for reproductive rights, allowing women greater control over their own bodies and healthcare choices. However, the ruling remained controversial and sparked ongoing legal and political debates. -
MeToo Movement Gains Momentum (2017)
The #MeToo Movement, started by Tarana Burke, gained worldwide attention in 2017 as women began publicly sharing their experiences with sexual harassment and assault. It led to major social changes, including workplace reforms and greater accountability for powerful men accused of misconduct. The movement raised awareness about gender-based violence and continues to shape discussions about consent and safety.