The image of what a feminist woman looks like that is conjured up when mentioning feminism is oftentimes a crazed, bra-burning, man-hater rejecting the systematic structure known as the patriarchy. Perhaps some people picture a mid-century homemaker complaining that her only occupational choices are to…
Essays on Women's Rights
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History as we know it was mostly documented by men, as a result, the roles played by women in the events leading to the Independence of our nation Nigeria in 1960 have been largely overlooked and forgotten. For hundreds of years, women have made notable…
Since the 19th century women’s roles in the construction of geographical knowledge are thought to have been minimal. Feminist epistemology implies that the geographical knowledge that we use today is based on a masculine narrative and that the gender disparity that was present in the…
Although women have been subject to societal roles structured by men since the beginning, they have been able to greatly affect American History for the better. Women were treated poorly and held up to ridiculous standards, but they have evolved to break free of those…
World War II was the most widespread and destructive global conflict, that started in September 1939 and ended in August 1945. World War II brought a revolutionary change in women’s role and empowerment in history, that has impacted generations. It dramatically changes the lives and…
I have learned many things throughout this course that relates to American literature from that date back to historical times. I believe that learning American literature and history is important because it shapes today’s literature and teaches new things in our society. My evolution as…
When looking at our society today, realize I take much for granted. As a woman, I will be able to vote, become a doctor, study at university, have the choice to marry and start a family (or not), and do many other things that just…
Men are seen active through traditional films and women treated as a passive object in which they are the prize or reward for male characters point of view. It states that ’Men act and women appear. Men look at women. Women watch themselves being looked…
In order to do this literary project, we were looking for different articles from reliable sources in order to find out information about Women’s Liberation Movement and about the writer that we have chosen, Adrienne Rich. We have found incredible points of view from some…
Sweden is seen as the most women-friendly country all over the world, where everyone deserves the same opportunities, regardless of gender or sex. According to The Official Site of Sweden, this country reached the status of being one of the best welfare state, because it…
Feminism has been around since the late 18th century, and the fight for gender equality and a balance between the sexes has become more relevant and important as years go by. Today, feminism is widespread as women fight for their rights every day through feminism…
In a world where women outnumber men, how are women still considered to be a minority? A minority is defined as the smaller number or part, especially a number or part representing less than half of the whole. (Oxforddictionaries.com) Statistically, women are not are not…
Femininity can be defined as having or demonstrating qualities that are regarded as characteristic to women, whilst the specific expectations and beliefs alter depending on the societies views of the time, this then implies that femininity is a social and cultural construct- ‘one isn’t born…
“Power can be taken, but not given. The process of taking is empowerment in itself.” said Gloria Steinem. Gloria Steinem has been a social political activist and american feminist since the late 1960’s. Her activism was very powerful to society as women were portrayed as…
While the sustainable development goals (SDGs) are inclusive and expansive on its own, it aims in covering number of sectors that cover the socio-economic issues worldwide. In an attempt to bring the sexual and reproductive issues into its framework, SDGs has widened its focus involving…
Best topics on Women's Rights
Main Ideas
Women’s rights are entitlements and rights claimed for the female population worldwide. Women today are enjoying different rights than before. Thanks to the women’s rights movements that began in the 19th century and are still active in the form of feminism, the female population has gone a long way since the time when women had almost no rights at all.
Origin
The basis for the women’s right movement was formed in the 19th century followed by the feminist movements of the 20th and 21st century. Soon enough, women’s rights became supported by law or institutionalized by law in many countries around the world. The exact origin is uncertain since women’s rights still differ greatly based on location and throughout history.
Cause
Decades ago, women enjoyed far fewer rights compared to men. Their rights were ignored and suppressed – and they still are in some of the developing countries. In the last few decades, this became an important issue in the world, and the movements for women’s liberation and feminism resulted from the inequality and discrimination that occurred around the world.
Outcome
As a result of long years of feminist movements, women are getting more rights around the world every day. The efforts of women’s rights movements come with mixed results. For example, the International Council of Women was the first female organization to work across national boundaries to advocate human rights for women. Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to obtain a medical degree in the US. By the 1970s, the first British Sex Discrimination Act, the Equal Opportunities Commission, and the Equal Pay Act came into force.
Key Quotes
- "If society will not admit of women's free development, then society must be remodeled."- Elizabeth Blackwell.
- "Feminism is the radical notion that women are people." - Marie Shear.
Interesting Facts
Women in ancient Sumer had rights that were later taken away from the female population. They could own, buy, sell and inherit property, testify in court as witnesses, and engage in commerce. However, their husbands could divorce them for mild infractions and remarry. The first college to admit a female was Salem College, a primary school founded in 1882. The first university female student was after the 1862 after the Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act was founded. Before the Pregnancy Discrimination Act in 1978, female employees could be fired without any consequences just because they were pregnant. Today, over 30% of all businesses are operated and owned by women.
Arguments for
Issues associated with notions of women’s rights today include the right to vote, hold public office, the right to bodily integrity and autonomy, the right to enter into legal contracts, equal family law rights, the right to work and get equal pay or fair wages, to own property, to education, and the right to reproductive rights. Promoters of women’s right believe that women and men are equal and should have the same rights.
Arguments against
Many people believed and some still do that men and women are fundamentally different, which is why women should not sully themselves in fields like politics. Their other arguments were that women are the weaker gender and as such, men should provide and make the important decisions for them.
