This quick history lesson was inspired by a meme I posted on Facebook. I honestly thought the meme was just a little reminder, but I had both liberal and conservative friends ask, is that true?

So, Here we go:

1900: Women Gained Property and Wage Rights
In the early 20th century, various states began passing laws that allowed married women to own property and earn wages independently. This was a significant step towards economic independence. For example, the Married Women’s Property Acts started in the late 19th century and continued to evolve, giving women more control over their finances.

1910: Women Could Wear Pants Socially
Though informal, this marked a cultural shift. The ability for women to wear pants was symbolic of greater freedom and challenge to traditional gender norms.

1920: White Women Could Finally Vote
The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote, but it primarily benefited white women. Although a landmark achievement, many women of color faced barriers that prevented them from exercising this right.

1963: Women Gained Equal Pay Rights, But It’s Still Questionable
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 aimed to abolish wage disparity based on sex. Despite this legal framework, wage gaps persist. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women still earn approximately 82 cents for every dollar earned by men (as of 2020).

1965: Black Women Could Finally Vote in All 50 States
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to eliminate barriers that prevented African Americans from voting, including literacy tests and poll taxes. This act was crucial for empowering Black women, allowing them equal voting rights alongside their white counterparts across all states.

1969: Women Were Allowed to Initiate Divorce
Prior to this, divorce laws favored men, often requiring women to prove wrongdoing. The shift towards no-fault divorce laws allowed women to initiate divorce without stigma or fault, promoting autonomy in personal relationships.

1972: Women Could Get Birth Control Without a Man
The Supreme Court case Eisenstadt v. Baird (1972) established that married and unmarried individuals had the right to access contraception. This decision was pivotal for women’s reproductive rights, granting them control over their own bodies.

1974: Women Could Buy a Home Without a Man
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 prohibited discrimination based on sex in credit transactions. This allowed women to secure loans and buy homes independently, marking a significant shift in financial autonomy.

1988: Women Could Own Their Own Business Without a Man
The Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988 facilitated women’s ability to start and manage businesses without the need for male co-signers or partners. This legislative change empowered many women to enter the entrepreneurial space.

1994: Women Gained Legal Protection Against Domestic Abuse
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), passed in 1994, provided essential resources and protections for women facing domestic violence. This legislation acknowledged and sought to combat the historical ownership of women by men, promoting safety and independence.

2022: Federal Women’s Health Rights Removed
The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating federal protections that encompassed abortion and other critical medical procedures. As a result, women in some states face life-threatening situations, and some have died and many will continue to die simply because state governments restricted necessary healthcare. This decision marked the first time in American history that a previously held federal right was reversed, creating a new landscape where women’s health rights depend on state laws.

Conclusion

This timeline illustrates the progressive steps taken towards women’s rights in the U.S., although it is essential to recognize that many achievements have had uneven impacts across different races and classes. The struggle for equality continues, and understanding this history is vital for ongoing advocacy.

Sources

• U.S. Census Bureau, “The Simple Truth About the Gender Pay Gap,” 2020.
• National Women’s History Museum, “Timeline of Women’s Rights.”
• The Library of Congress, “Women’s Suffrage.”