Women Movement
Feminist movement or women movement is a term used to refer to a series of campaigns for reforms. Gender differences have become a major issue in many countries. This is because most a large percentage of women in the society face discrimination. Majority of women in the society are denied various rights. For example, wsomen in the society do not hold high positions in the workplace. In addition, women are more prone to domestic violence and sexual harassment than men. Men and women in the society differ in terms of roles. Some societies believe women are supposed to carry out household chores while others believe women are supposed to hold various positions in the work place and society. Gender differences in the community have had adverse effects. Gender differences have led to marginalization of women in the society (Imbornoni 2007).
Women movement started in the 18th century. The women movement resulted from various factors like slavery, school purity and temperance. Most women realized that in order to bring change to the society, they needed an organization. Immediately, women formed a movement to fight for women rights in the society. They campaigned for various issues like divorce, education legislation for women and equal pay. The women movement has gone through three stages. The first stage began in 1880s and women started modifying laws in the country to give them more legal powers (Imbornoni 2007).
For example, inheritance, education laws were modified to enable women have equal rights with men. Most women were allowed to control their inheritance. Also, women were allowed to have joint custody of their children during divorce. Before, women were not allowed to inherit property or take care of their children in case of divorce. Things changed in 1880s as women fought hard to change the divorce laws. Researchers argue that by 1990, most women were employed far from their homes. Women were no longer hindered by cultural beliefs to pursue their dreams. Women started pursuing higher education like men. In 1990, women started working like men. Before, women were allowed to carry out household chores like carrying for the children. In 1990, only 5% of married women worked in various industries. Majority of the women had to forgo their employment so as to take of the family (Suguna 2009).
The second wave began in early 1890s. Women campaigned to eliminate social and cultural inequality in the society. Women came together to fight for social and cultural inequality in the world. The third wave was a continuation of the second wave. Women movements are still evident in the modern society. Women in the modern society have fought hard to bring change. Because of the adverse effects caused by gender differences, women have established women or feminist movement to fight for women rights. The movements have helped overcome issues in the society. The women movement has helped overcome difference in roles. It has brought change to the society. Further, it has brought cultural and social change to the society. The impact of women movement is evident in many places. For example, women in the modern society are able to access high education. A large percentage of women are able to access education in higher institutions without any discrimination. Moreover, most women are able to hold high positions in the workplace without any discrimination (DuBois 1999)
Reference
DuBois, E.C .Feminism and suffrage: the emergence of an independent women’s movement in America, 1848-1869. CornellUniversity Press, 1999
Imbornoni, A.Women’s Rights Movement in the U.S. Timeline of Key Events in the American Women’s Rights Movement1848–1920.2007.Retrieved from http://www.infoplease.com/spot/womenstimeline1.html on 3/08/2010.
Suguna, B. Women’s movement.Discovery Publishing House, 2009
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