7.2 Women's rights movement
11 min read•august 21, 2024
The women's rights movement emerged as a response to systemic gender inequality, challenging traditional power structures and social norms. From early feminist movements to the , women fought for equality in various spheres, laying the foundation for future legal and social reforms.
The struggle for women's suffrage marked a crucial chapter in civil rights history, culminating in the . This victory paved the way for broader feminist movements addressing , , and cultural barriers to women's full participation in society.
Origins of women's rights
- Women's rights movement emerged as a response to systemic gender inequality and discrimination in society
- Closely intertwined with broader civil rights struggles, challenging traditional power structures and social norms
- Laid the foundation for future legal and social reforms to advance gender equality
Early feminist movements
Top images from around the web for Early feminist movements
Anne Mellor, “On the Publication of Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman ... View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Mary Wollstonecraft cph.3b11901.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Heath and Opie - Mary Wollstonecraft, 1797.png - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Anne Mellor, “On the Publication of Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman ... View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Mary Wollstonecraft cph.3b11901.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Early feminist movements
Anne Mellor, “On the Publication of Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman ... View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Mary Wollstonecraft cph.3b11901.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Heath and Opie - Mary Wollstonecraft, 1797.png - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Anne Mellor, “On the Publication of Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman ... View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Mary Wollstonecraft cph.3b11901.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Enlightenment era sparked discussions on women's roles and rights in society
- Mary Wollstonecraft's "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" (1792) advocated for women's education and political participation
- Abolitionist movement provided platform for women to develop political activism skills
- Grimké sisters challenged gender norms through public speaking on anti-slavery issues
Seneca Falls Convention
- First women's rights convention in the United States held in 1848
- Organized by and Lucretia Mott
- Produced Declaration of Sentiments modeled after Declaration of Independence
- Outlined grievances and demands for women's equality in various spheres (legal, educational, professional)
- Marked the beginning of an organized women's rights movement in America
Suffrage movement beginnings
- Focused on securing women's right to vote as a fundamental step towards equality
- and Elizabeth Cady Stanton formed in 1869
- Lucy Stone established , emphasizing state-by-state approach
- Tactics included petitions, lobbying, and public demonstrations
- Wyoming Territory granted women's suffrage in 1869, becoming first U.S. jurisdiction to do so
Suffrage and voting rights
- Women's suffrage movement represents a crucial chapter in the broader struggle for civil rights and liberties
- Challenged fundamental notions of citizenship and political participation in democratic societies
- Set precedent for future civil rights movements in advocating for equal treatment under the law
19th Amendment
- Ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote in the United States
- Culmination of decades-long struggle by suffragists and their allies
- Text states "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex"
- Represented significant expansion of democracy and women's political power
- Implementation faced challenges, particularly for women of color due to other discriminatory voting laws
Women's suffrage strategies
- Utilized diverse tactics to advance their cause and gain public support
- Peaceful protests and parades drew attention to the movement ( of 1913)
- Civil disobedience actions included picketing the White House during World War I
- Hunger strikes by imprisoned suffragists garnered sympathy and media coverage
- State-by-state campaigns focused on winning voting rights at local levels
- Wartime contributions of women strengthened arguments for full citizenship rights
Opposition to women's suffrage
- Anti-suffragists argued women's voting would destabilize families and society
- Liquor industry feared women voters would support prohibition
- Some women opposed suffrage, believing it would diminish their influence in domestic sphere
- Southern states resisted due to concerns about upsetting racial power dynamics
- Arguments against women's suffrage often rooted in traditional gender roles and stereotypes
Second-wave feminism
- Emerged in the 1960s-1980s, focusing on broader issues of gender inequality beyond voting rights
- Coincided with other social movements (Civil Rights, anti-war) challenging societal norms
- Sought to address both legal and cultural barriers to women's full participation in society
Post-WWII gender roles
- Women's wartime workforce participation challenged traditional gender norms
- Post-war push for women to return to domestic roles created tension and dissatisfaction
- Baby Boom era emphasized idealized nuclear family structure
- Media and advertising reinforced stereotypical gender roles for men and women
- Growing suburban lifestyle often isolated women from broader social and economic participation
The Feminine Mystique
- Book by Betty Friedan published in 1963, catalyzed second-wave feminist movement
- Critiqued the "problem that has no name" - dissatisfaction of middle-class housewives
- Challenged notion that women could find fulfillment solely through homemaking and child-rearing
- Argued for women's right to pursue education, careers, and self-actualization
- Sparked widespread discussion and consciousness-raising about women's roles in society
National Organization for Women
- Founded in 1966 by Betty Friedan and other feminist leaders
- Aimed to bring women into full participation in mainstream American society
- Advocated for legal and social reforms to promote gender equality
- Focused on issues like workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and the
- Utilized lobbying, litigation, and public education campaigns to advance feminist goals
- Played crucial role in shaping public policy and discourse on women's rights
Legal and political milestones
- Represent key achievements in translating feminist ideals into concrete legal protections
- Demonstrate the power of social movements to effect change through legislative and judicial channels
- Highlight ongoing challenges in implementing and enforcing gender equality laws
Equal Pay Act
- Passed in 1963 as amendment to Fair Labor Standards Act
- Prohibited wage discrimination based on sex for jobs requiring equal skill, effort, and responsibility
- Aimed to address systemic underpayment of women in workforce
- Allowed employees to file lawsuits for back pay and damages
- Implementation faced challenges due to loopholes and difficulty proving discrimination
- Subsequent legislation (Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act) aimed to strengthen enforcement
Title VII of Civil Rights Act
- Part of landmark
- Prohibited employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
- Applied to hiring, promotion, termination, and other employment decisions
- Established Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to investigate complaints
- Paved way for legal challenges to workplace sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination
- Interpretation of "sex" discrimination evolved to include pregnancy and, later, sexual orientation
Equal Rights Amendment
- Proposed constitutional amendment to guarantee equal legal rights regardless of sex
- First introduced in 1923, gained momentum during second-wave feminism
- Passed by Congress in 1972, sent to states for ratification
- Faced strong opposition from conservative groups concerned about traditional gender roles
- Failed to achieve ratification by 1982 deadline, falling three states short
- Continues to be a subject of debate and renewed efforts for passage
Reproductive rights
- Central focus of women's rights movement, intersecting with issues of bodily autonomy and healthcare access
- Highly contentious area of law and policy, reflecting broader societal debates on morality and individual rights
- Demonstrates complex relationship between scientific advancements, social norms, and legal frameworks
Birth control access
- Comstock laws of 1873 banned distribution of contraceptive information and devices
- Margaret Sanger founded , advocated for birth control legalization
- (1965) established right to privacy in contraceptive use for married couples
- (1972) extended contraceptive rights to unmarried individuals
- (1970) provided federal funding for family planning services
- Ongoing debates over insurance coverage for contraception (Affordable Care Act contraceptive mandate)
Roe v. Wade
- Landmark Supreme Court decision in 1973 legalized abortion nationwide
- Established constitutional right to abortion based on right to privacy
- Created trimester framework for regulating abortion
- First trimester: abortion decision left to woman and her doctor
- Second trimester: state can regulate only to protect woman's health
- Third trimester: state can regulate or prohibit to protect potential life
- Sparked ongoing legal and political battles over abortion rights
- Subsequent cases (Planned Parenthood v. Casey) modified but upheld core holding of Roe
Abortion rights debates
- Pro-choice movement emphasizes women's bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom
- Pro-life movement argues for fetal rights and opposes abortion on moral grounds
- Legal restrictions vary by state, including waiting periods and parental consent laws
- Access issues include availability of providers and financial barriers
- Ongoing controversies over late-term abortions and fetal viability
- International comparisons reveal wide range of abortion policies globally
Workplace equality
- Reflects broader struggle for economic justice and equal opportunity within women's rights movement
- Intersects with other civil rights issues, particularly race and class-based discrimination
- Highlights tension between formal legal equality and persistent cultural and structural barriers
Sexual harassment awareness
- Term "sexual harassment" coined by Lin Farley in 1975
- (1986) recognized sexual harassment as form of sex discrimination under Title VII
- Anita Hill's testimony during Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings (1991) brought issue to national attention
- EEOC guidelines define two types quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment
- (2017) sparked renewed focus on workplace sexual misconduct
- Ongoing debates over effectiveness of anti-harassment policies and training programs
Glass ceiling concept
- Term coined by management consultant Marilyn Loden in 1978
- Describes invisible barriers preventing women from advancing to top leadership positions
- Factors include gender stereotypes, lack of mentorship, and work-life balance challenges
- Statistics show persistent underrepresentation of women in C-suite and board positions
- Intersectional analysis reveals compounded barriers for women of color
- Efforts to "break the " include mentorship programs and diversity initiatives
Equal opportunity policies
- Affirmative action programs aim to increase representation of women in male-dominated fields
- Family and Medical Leave Act (1993) provided job-protected leave for caregiving responsibilities
- Pay equity initiatives address wage disparities between men and women
- Workplace flexibility policies (telecommuting, flexible hours) support work-life balance
- Diversity and inclusion training programs aim to combat unconscious bias
- Ongoing debates over effectiveness and potential unintended consequences of equal opportunity measures
Third-wave feminism
- Emerged in 1990s as response to perceived limitations of second-wave feminism
- Emphasizes diversity of women's experiences and rejection of universal female identity
- Incorporates postmodern and postcolonial critiques of earlier feminist theories
- Focuses on individual empowerment and cultural change alongside political and legal reforms
Intersectionality in feminism
- Concept developed by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989
- Examines how different forms of oppression (gender, race, class, sexuality) intersect and compound
- Critiques tendency of earlier feminist movements to focus primarily on experiences of white, middle-class women
- Calls for more nuanced understanding of diverse women's experiences and needs
- Influences policy approaches to address multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination
- Challenges simplistic "add women and stir" approach to gender equality initiatives
LGBTQ+ inclusion
- Expands definition of "women's issues" to include diverse gender identities and sexual orientations
- Critiques heteronormative assumptions in earlier feminist theories
- Advocates for rights of transgender and non-binary individuals within feminist movement
- Explores connections between , homophobia, and transphobia
- Influences legal battles over LGBTQ+ rights (marriage equality, non-discrimination protections)
- Ongoing debates over inclusion of trans women in women-only spaces and events
Media representation
- Analyzes portrayal of women in film, television, advertising, and social media
- Critiques objectification and stereotyping of women in popular culture
- Advocates for more diverse and complex representations of women
- Explores impact of media on body image and self-esteem
- Examines double standards in coverage of female public figures and politicians
- Utilizes social media as tool for feminist activism and consciousness-raising
Contemporary issues
- Reflect ongoing evolution of women's rights movement in digital age and globalized world
- Demonstrate intersection of longstanding feminist concerns with new technological and social developments
- Highlight continued relevance of gender equality issues in 21st century political and cultural landscape
#MeToo movement
- Phrase originally coined by activist Tarana Burke in 2006
- Gained widespread attention in 2017 following allegations against Harvey Weinstein
- Utilizes social media to share experiences of sexual harassment and assault
- Sparked global conversations about workplace culture and power dynamics
- Led to high-profile resignations and legal actions in various industries
- Critiqued for potential to reinforce racial and class disparities in whose stories are heard
Gender pay gap
- Refers to difference in average earnings between men and women
- Current estimates show women earn approximately 82 cents for every dollar earned by men in U.S.
- Gap widens for women of color and increases with age
- Factors include occupational segregation, discrimination, and caregiving responsibilities
- Efforts to address gap include pay transparency laws and salary history bans
- Ongoing debates over how to measure and interpret pay gap statistics
Women in politics
- Record numbers of women elected to U.S. Congress and state legislatures in recent years
- First female Vice President (Kamala Harris) elected in 2020
- Persistent underrepresentation of women in executive positions (governors, mayors)
- Challenges include gender stereotypes, media bias, and campaign finance disparities
- Research suggests women legislators more likely to prioritize issues affecting women and families
- Global variations in women's political representation (gender quotas in some countries)
Global women's rights
- Highlights diversity of women's experiences and challenges across different cultural contexts
- Demonstrates interconnectedness of women's rights struggles globally
- Raises questions about universality of feminist principles and cultural relativism
United Nations initiatives
- Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) adopted in 1979
- Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) set comprehensive agenda for women's empowerment
- UN Women established in 2010 to promote gender equality and women's empowerment
- Sustainable Development Goals include specific targets for gender equality (Goal 5)
- Commission on the Status of Women serves as global policy-making body
- Challenges include lack of enforcement mechanisms and reservations by some member states
International Women's Day
- Celebrated annually on March 8th since early 1900s
- Recognizes women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements
- Themes vary yearly, addressing current issues in women's rights
- Marked by protests, rallies, and cultural events worldwide
- Used as platform to advocate for policy changes and raise awareness
- Critiqued by some as performative or commercialized in certain contexts
Cultural variations in feminism
- Islamic feminism reconciles feminist principles with Islamic teachings
- African feminism addresses legacy of colonialism and indigenous cultural practices
- Latin American feminism emphasizes connection between gender oppression and economic exploitation
- Asian feminism navigates tension between tradition and modernity
- Western feminism critiqued for ethnocentrism and lack of cultural sensitivity
- Transnational feminist networks aim to build solidarity across borders while respecting local contexts
Critiques and controversies
- Reflect ongoing debates within and outside feminist movement about goals, strategies, and impacts
- Highlight complexity of addressing gender inequality in diverse social and cultural contexts
- Demonstrate evolving nature of feminist theory and practice in response to critiques and changing societal norms
Anti-feminist movements
- Backlash against perceived excesses or negative consequences of feminism
- Arguments include concerns about breakdown of traditional family structures
- Men's rights movement claims discrimination against men in areas like child custody
- Conservative women's groups advocate for traditional gender roles
- Online communities (incels, MGTOW) express hostility towards feminism and women
- Critiques of "gender ideology" in some religious and political contexts
Debates within feminism
- Sex work and pornography divide feminists between abolitionist and pro-sex work stances
- Transgender inclusion sparks debates over definition of "woman" and single-sex spaces
- critiques highlight marginalization of women of color within mainstream feminism
- Liberal vs. radical feminism disagree on extent of systemic change needed
- Ongoing discussions about role of men in feminist movement
- Debates over effectiveness of "choice feminism" and individual empowerment narratives
Men's role in women's rights
- Concept of "male allies" in supporting feminist goals and challenging sexism
- Debates over appropriate level of male involvement in feminist spaces and leadership
- Examines impact of patriarchal systems on men's lives and behaviors
- Explores connections between toxic masculinity and violence against women
- Initiatives to engage men and boys in gender equality efforts (HeForShe campaign)
- Critiques of male feminists benefiting from allyship without sacrificing privilege
Key Terms to Review (27)
#metoo movement: The #metoo movement is a social movement that aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault, particularly against women. It encourages survivors to speak out and share their experiences, fostering a culture of accountability and support. This movement has highlighted systemic issues of gender discrimination and has been integral in pushing for changes in policies and societal attitudes towards women's rights.
19th Amendment: The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote, marking a pivotal victory in the women's suffrage movement. This amendment represented not just a legal change but also a cultural shift, as it recognized women's participation in democracy and was a crucial step towards achieving gender equality in political representation.
American Woman Suffrage Association: The American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA) was an organization founded in 1869 that aimed to secure women's right to vote in the United States. It focused on a state-by-state strategy to gain voting rights for women and was a key player in the broader women's rights movement, working alongside other suffrage organizations while advocating for equality and social justice.
Civil Rights Act of 1964: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is landmark legislation in the United States that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This act was a significant step towards ensuring equal rights for all citizens and laid the groundwork for further civil rights advancements across various areas, including education, employment, and public accommodations.
Eisenstadt v. Baird: Eisenstadt v. Baird was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1972 that established the right to privacy in the context of reproductive rights, particularly concerning access to contraception. This case reinforced the notion that individuals have a fundamental right to make decisions about their own reproductive health without unwarranted government interference. The ruling also played a critical role in advancing personal liberties, especially for unmarried individuals, highlighting the significance of both substantive due process and the broader women's rights movement.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton: Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a leading figure in the women's rights movement during the 19th century, best known for her role in organizing the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 and for drafting the Declaration of Sentiments. She was a fierce advocate for women's suffrage, education, and legal rights, significantly contributing to the foundation of the feminist movement in the United States.
Equal Pay Act: The Equal Pay Act of 1963 is a United States federal law aimed at abolishing wage disparity based on sex. The act mandates that men and women receive equal pay for equal work in the same establishment, which was a significant step toward addressing gender discrimination in the workplace. This legislation highlights the importance of fair compensation and has been foundational in the ongoing struggle for gender equality in employment, serving as a crucial milestone in the broader women's rights movement.
Equal Rights Amendment: The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution aimed at guaranteeing equal legal rights for all American citizens, regardless of sex. It was first introduced in Congress in 1923 and sought to eliminate legal distinctions between men and women in matters of divorce, property, employment, and other rights. The ERA became a significant focus of the women's rights movement, emphasizing the need for constitutional protection against gender discrimination.
Gender pay gap: The gender pay gap refers to the difference in earnings between men and women, typically expressed as a percentage of men's earnings. This disparity often results from various factors including discrimination, occupational segregation, and differences in work experience and hours worked. Understanding the gender pay gap is essential in recognizing the broader issues of inequality and discrimination that women face in the workforce.
Glass Ceiling: The glass ceiling is an invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from advancing to higher positions in the workplace, regardless of their qualifications or achievements. This term captures the complex interplay of gender discrimination and organizational culture that perpetuates inequality in professional settings. The glass ceiling reflects systemic biases and societal norms that often lead to the underrepresentation of these groups in leadership roles, making it a critical issue in discussions about equality and workplace rights.
Griswold v. Connecticut: Griswold v. Connecticut was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1965 that established a constitutional right to privacy regarding marital relations and the use of contraceptives. This case marked a significant expansion of personal liberties and helped to form the foundation for later rulings related to reproductive rights and privacy issues.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a framework for understanding how various social identities, such as race, gender, age, sexual orientation, and class, overlap and intersect to create unique experiences of discrimination or privilege. This approach highlights that individuals may face multiple layers of oppression or advantage based on their intersecting identities, which cannot be understood in isolation from one another.
Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson: Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson was a landmark Supreme Court case in 1986 that recognized sexual harassment as a form of employment discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This case highlighted the importance of creating a workplace free from sexual harassment and reinforced the legal protections available to victims in the context of employment discrimination.
Misogyny: Misogyny is the disdain, contempt, or prejudice against women, which can manifest in various forms including social exclusion, discrimination, and violence. This negative attitude toward women has deep historical roots and is often perpetuated by cultural norms and practices that devalue female contributions and experiences. Misogyny plays a significant role in the fight for women's rights, as it underpins many of the systemic barriers that prevent gender equality.
National Organization for Women: The National Organization for Women (NOW) is a feminist organization founded in 1966 aimed at advocating for women's rights and gender equality across various aspects of society. It emerged as a response to the lack of inclusion of women's issues in the civil rights movement, pushing for policies addressing workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and social justice. NOW plays a crucial role in mobilizing women and raising awareness about systemic inequalities.
National Woman Suffrage Association: The National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) was a key organization founded in 1869, aimed at advocating for women's right to vote in the United States. Led by prominent figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, the NWSA played a crucial role in the women's rights movement, focusing on securing suffrage through a federal constitutional amendment and highlighting the importance of women's equality in various spheres of life.
Patriarchy: Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. This structure often leads to systemic gender discrimination, shaping societal norms and expectations that disadvantage women and non-binary individuals. It underpins many historical and contemporary movements for women's rights, highlighting the need for equality and challenging deeply ingrained beliefs about gender roles.
Planned Parenthood: Planned Parenthood is a nonprofit organization that provides a range of reproductive health services, including education, contraception, and abortion services. It plays a vital role in advocating for women's rights, particularly in access to reproductive health care, which connects to the larger movements for women's rights, the ongoing debates over abortion rights, the need for contraception access, and the advancements in assisted reproductive technologies.
Reproductive Rights: Reproductive rights refer to the legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health, including the right to access contraception, the right to safe and legal abortion, and the right to make decisions about one’s reproductive health without coercion. This term connects deeply with issues of privacy, autonomy, and gender equality, shaping significant movements for women's rights and impacting policies surrounding sterilization and family planning.
Roe v. Wade: Roe v. Wade is a landmark 1973 Supreme Court case that established a woman's legal right to have an abortion under the constitutional right to privacy. This case set a precedent for reproductive rights and has had a profound impact on the legal landscape surrounding abortion, privacy, and women's autonomy.
Seneca Falls Convention: The Seneca Falls Convention, held in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York, was the first women's rights convention in the United States. This groundbreaking event marked the beginning of the women's rights movement and called for equal social, civil, and religious rights for women, highlighting the need for women's suffrage. The convention produced the 'Declaration of Sentiments,' a document that outlined grievances and demands for gender equality, drawing inspiration from the Declaration of Independence.
Sexism: Sexism refers to prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against individuals based on their sex or gender, often resulting in the belief that one sex is superior to another. This term encompasses societal norms and institutional practices that perpetuate gender inequality, significantly impacting various aspects of life, including economic, social, and political realms. It is important to recognize how sexism intersects with other forms of discrimination, such as racial discrimination, and how it has fueled movements advocating for women’s rights and equality.
Susan B. Anthony: Susan B. Anthony was a prominent American social reformer and women's rights activist who played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement in the United States during the 19th century. Her tireless advocacy for women's right to vote and her commitment to civil rights made her a key figure in the struggle for gender equality, often emphasizing the importance of the right to petition as a means of social change and legal reform.
The feminine mystique: The feminine mystique refers to the widespread societal belief in the mid-20th century that women should find fulfillment primarily through homemaking, marriage, and motherhood. This concept reinforced traditional gender roles and restricted women’s personal and professional opportunities, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction among many women who felt confined by these expectations. The term is closely associated with the emergence of the women's rights movement, which sought to challenge these norms and advocate for greater equality and opportunities for women.
Title X Family Planning Program: The Title X Family Planning Program is a federal program in the United States established in 1970 that provides grants to organizations offering family planning and related health services. It aims to ensure that all individuals can access the information and services necessary to make informed choices about their reproductive health, which is a key component of women's rights and health autonomy.
Women's March: The Women's March refers to a series of protests advocating for women's rights and gender equality, with the most notable event taking place on January 21, 2017, in Washington, D.C. This movement highlights issues such as gender discrimination, reproductive rights, and social justice, connecting to broader struggles for civil rights and liberties. The Women's March serves as a rallying point for various groups advocating for equality and represents a significant moment in the ongoing fight against systemic inequality and discrimination faced by women.
Workplace discrimination: Workplace discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of employees or job applicants based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, or other protected traits. This kind of discrimination can manifest in various ways, including hiring practices, promotions, job assignments, and termination decisions. It is a significant issue within social movements, as it reflects broader societal inequalities and affects individuals' rights and opportunities in their professional lives.