In 1963, hundreds of thousands of people from across the United States rallied in Washington, D.C. to demand equal rights for African Americans. While women played a key role in organizing the march, they were purposely excluded from the official program, and struggled for recognition for their contributions. March On Washington for Jobs and Freedom […]
Women Who Sued For Freedom From Slavery
Under certain circumstances, people who were held as slaves in the British colonies and early United States were able to sue for their right to be free from slavery. In the 17th through the 19th centuries, hundreds of “freedom suits” were filed and many slaves were able to successfully petition the courts for their freedom […]
The Canadian Persons Case: Are Women People?
Even after many women were granted limited rights to vote in early 20th century Canada, they still had never been appointed to the Canadian Senate. Though the law stated that any “qualified person” could be appointed to the Senate, it had only ever been applied to men. In the 1920s, a group of women known […]
Women’s Rights in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptian women had many legal rights compared to women of other ancient societies. In the city-states of Ancient Greece, for example, a woman had to be represented by her father, brother, or husband in court, and couldn’t legally speak for herself. In the Roman Republic, a woman was legally subject to her husband’s power […]
What Are Bluestockings? The Movement, Origins, and Insult
A “bluestocking” generally refers to an educated woman with intellectual, especially literary, interests, but the term has changed quite a bit over time. More specifically, it can also refer to women who were members of an 18th century literary group called the Blue Stockings Society. After the decline of the Blue Stockings Society, the term […]
“Pleading the Belly”: Pregnancy & Execution
Since the Middle Ages, a woman sentenced to death could delay her execution if she was found to be pregnant. This practice was called “pleading the belly” – but it didn’t always work.
Equal Under the Law: Married Women’s Property Acts in the United Kingdom
The Married Women’s Property Acts in the UK helped women finally began moving towards equality, and paved the way for women’s suffrage after the turn of the 19th century.
Why Did Victorian Men Hate Women on Bicycles?
Who was the New Woman and her bicycle? Why did Victorian men hate her & doctors warn against her? Find out the role the bicycle played on women’s empowerment.
The Doctrine of Separate Spheres: Why a Woman’s Place Was In the Home
Why are there more men in politics, and why do women STILL do most of the housework? It’s because we’re still influenced by the doctrine of separate spheres.
The Surprising History Of The Birth Control Pill That Almost Wasn’t Invented
Ever wonder about the history of the birth control pill? Did you know it was once illegal to even TALK about? Find out why…