Women’s History Month

Timeline of Achievements

 

ClassBrain has compiled a list of pivotal moments in the women’s rights movement through the years from a number of sources. Together it forms over 150 years of work towards equality and recognition for women.

 

1848 - Over 300 men and women held the first Women's Rights Convention.  At this time, 68 women and 32 men signed The Declaration of Sentiments.  This set of 12 resolutions called for equal treatment of men and women, and for women to have the right to vote.

 

1869 – MAY: The National Women Suffrage Association (NWSA) is formed to achieve voting rights for women by means of Congressional amendment to the Constitution.  NOVEMBER: The American Women Suffrage Association (AWSA) is established with a goal of gaining voting rights for women through amendments to individual state constitutions.

 

1890 - The NWSA and the AWSA merge to form the National American Women Suffrage Association (NAWSA).

 

1893 - Colorado is the very first state to adapt the amendment giving women the right to vote.

 

1903 - The National Women’s Trade Union League (WTUL) is formed with the goal of advocating for improved wages and working conditions for women.

 

1919 - The Federal Women’s Suffrage Amendment (originally introduced to Congress in 1878) is passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and sent to the states for ratification.

 

1920 - AUGUST 26^th: The 19^th Amendment to the Constitution is passed giving women the right to vote.

 

1929 - The 99’s Organization is formed by 99 licensed women pilots with a goal of mutual support and advancement for women in aviation.

 

1960 - The Food and Drug Administration approves the use and distribution of birth control pills.

 

1963 - June 10^th, Congress passes the Equal Pay Act making it illegal for employers to pay a woman less than a man for doing the same job.

 

1966 - The organization NOW (National Organization for Women) is formed.  With over 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters, their goal is to bring about equality for all women and end sexual discrimination, especially in the workplace.

 

1969 - The National Women’s Hall of Fame is created in Seneca Falls, New York.

 

1973 - Roe v Wade. The Supreme Court established a woman's right to a safe and legal abortion.

 

1978 - The Pregnancy Discrimination Act is formed banning employment discrimination against pregnant women.

 

1981 - Congress passes a resolution making Women’s History Week a National celebration.

 

1987 - Women’s History Week is expanded to the full month of March.

 

1994 - The Violence Against Women Act tightens federal penalties for sex offenders, funds services for victims of rape and domestic violence, and provides for special training of police officers.