Women’s Rights: How Far Have We Really Come?

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Recommended: The women's rights movement 1848- 1920

On July 19th 1848, the first Women's Convention was held in Seneca Falls, from which 68 women and 32 men participated, to discuss Women's rights and equality to men. During the convention, was written the “Declaration of Sentiments”, document that approached the issues to be overcome by women, including their rights regards: voting; social equality; intellectual capacity; equal payment and right to occupy high positions. Today, one hundred and sixty six years after this convention was held, what have women really accomplished in terms of acceptance and support from our government and society? Researches show that women are still under paid in comparison to men in same positions; women are still struggling to occupy higher positions within the companies they work; society is still imposing to women the main part on parenthood without attributing shared responsibilities to men; government is still lacking support regards laws involving maternity leave and equal pay.
Since the Seneca Falls Convention, women have accomplished a lot regarding rights to vote and exercise their citizenship rights; as well it's equality to men regards the laws that rule this country. However, women are still fighting for equality and support on the work force, and therefore, still fighting to resolve some of the issues within the “Declaration of Sentiments”, over one century and half later. Let's explore further some of these statements and how they have yet to be resolved; the “Declaration of Sentiments” (1848) stated the following:
• “He has monopolized nearly all the profitable employments, and from those she is permitted to follow, she receives but a scanty remuneration.”
• “He closes against her all the avenues to wealth and distinction, which he c...

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...aauw.org/research/the-simple-truth-about-the-gender-pay-gap/>

United States Census. Disparities in STEM Employment by Sex, Race, and Hispanic Origin. American Community Survey Reports. 2013.

Barsh, Joanna and Yee, Lareina. Unlocking the Full Potential of Women in the US Economy. McKinsey & Company. Accessed April 4, 2014.

United States Census. Who’s Minding the Kids? Child Care Arrangements: Spring 2005/Summer 2006. Household Economic Studies. 2010.

Ray et al. Parental Leave Policies in 2 Countries – Assessing Generosity and Gender Equality. Center for Economic and Policy Research.

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