Womens rights

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For centuries if not decades, women have been fighting for their rights. After a long and difficult process, women were finally granted the right to vote. 

During the twentieth century, women around the world began fighting for the right to vote, sparking the women's suffrage movement. This movement lasted for almost 100 years.

After the Civil War, the 14th and 15th Amendments were ratified, however, women were still not granted the right to vote. In 1869 Elizabeth Cady Scranton and Susan B. Anthony created a group called the National Woman Suffrage Association. 

Before this creation, there was mainly one big group of female activists fighting for the right to vote. After the 15th Amendment was ratified, many women fought over whether or not they should support the 15th Amendment. Some argued saying if women weren't included then they shouldn't support it, and others argued that they should support it as the next amendment would grant women's suffrage. As a result of this, the group split into two, the National Women's Suffrage Association and American Women's Suffrage Association. 

As time went on these associations became more complex. Despite fighting for equal rights, and exposing the gender gaps in marriage and work, these associations held some racist beliefs. Many times black women and women of color were not invited to rallies and protests.

Soon the 19th amendment was ratified, however, it essentially only granted white women the right to vote, while black women in the South were still struggling. Many states continued to pass laws discriminating against black women. Finally, in 1965 the voting rights act was passed, actually granting black women the right to vote. For some, gender was the only barrier, but for others, gender and race were both barriers.

Women from all backgrounds are still advocating for equality in gender. The unequal pay gap, lack of representation, violence, and stereotypes are still issues women face today. Movements like these show us that by coming together and advocating for change, it can happen. But it also highlights the fact that many times these movements aren't fully commendable.