A History of Women's Rights

Women's rights exist at different levels in various societies throughout the world. These rights are entitlements that can be institutionalized or suppressed by customs or laws. Generally, women's rights are separated from human rights due to the fact that they are gender specific. Different examples of women's rights include bodily freedoms, taking part in government, legal rights, and social equality.

Significance

Throughout the world, the separation of rights for women and men was largely considered the natural order through the 1800s. Research into ancient cultures and the native peoples in North America gave rise to the notion of a matriarchal society.

Islam

During the Middle Ages, early forms of women's rights were enacted under Islamic law. These included the inheritance rights and a prohibition on female infanticide. Much of the West did not recognize these at this time.

Reformation

Upon the Reformation in 16th century Europe, women's opinions were given more credibility in Christianity and general social stature. This culminated in the crowning of Queen Elizabeth I into the leadership position of England.

Enlightenment

In 1792, Mary Wollstonecraft published a work called "A Vindication of the Rights of Women," which explained the importance of education for women. This helped revolutionize the expectations of women in society.

Suffrage

During the 1800s, women began to push for the right to vote and take part in government. Throughout the Western world, women began to legally receive the right. In the United States, this officially came in 1920.

Feminism

Further women's rights were gained throughout the world in the 1960s and 1970s through the process of "feminism." This was most notable in North America and Europe, where women entered the workplace in record numbers.

Resources

• Women's Rights Movement in the US
• A Vindication of the Rights of Women
• Women's Rights in Arabia Before Islam