How Did Suffragists Focus Attention on Women and Lead to Women’s History Month?
Yesterday, I mentioned that the American Suffrage Movement was one important factor that propelled us to the establishment of Women’s History Month. Today, I’d like to go a little deeper into that topic. I’ll even share a fun photo of four women who proudly wear suffrage sashes and rosettes to a most unlikely place!
But first …Suffragists played a crucial role in bringing attention to women's inequality, not just in voting, but also in areas such as education, employment, and legal rights. The suffragist movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as women activists began to organize and agitate for the right to vote.
Voting Was Just Part of the Problem
Many suffragists recognized that women's inequality was a broad issue, affecting every aspect of their lives. They saw the right to vote as a means to an end - a way to gain political power and advocate for greater social and economic equality for women.
Suffragists worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the many ways in which women were treated unfairly in society. They organized rallies, marches, and protests, and used newspapers and other media to spread their message. They argued that women should have the same rights as men, including the right to an education, the right to own property, and the right to work in any profession.
Educational Opportunities Were Also an Issue
In the area of education, suffragists argued that women were being denied the opportunity to develop their full potential. They pointed out that many colleges and universities refused to admit women, and that girls were often given an inferior education compared to boys. They advocated for greater access to education for women, as well as the right to attend any school or college regardless of gender.
And What About Suffragists' Concern for Employment Opportunities?
In the area of employment, suffragists highlighted the many ways in which women were discriminated against in the workplace. They pointed out that women were often paid less than men for doing the same job. Although much progress has been made over the decades, many women must still fight to be paid the same as men.
Suffragettes knew that many jobs were off-limits to women simply because of their gender. They argued for equal pay for equal work, and for the right of women to pursue any career they chose. Many employment opportunities exist for women today — opportunities that suffragettes did not have. I like to take a positive attitude —a glass half full approach.
But we know there are still barriers to entry in many fields and we know there are still glass ceilings even when women are employed in various industries.
And Don't Forget Legal Rights
In the area of legal rights, suffragists argued that women were being denied basic freedoms and protections under the law. They pointed out that women had few rights in areas such as divorce, child custody, and property ownership. They advocated for legal reforms that would grant women equal rights and protections under the law.
Gratitude to Suffragists for Opening the Path to Women's History Month
Let’s be grateful for all the progress achieved over the years — progress that would not have been possible without the suffrage movement. If they had not secured women's right to vote, we would not be celebrating Women's History Month this March.
Did I Mention a Fun Photograph?
Recently, we sold our newly upgraded suffrage sashes and suffrage rosettes to four women. They wore them golfing! We get excited when our customers share a photo with us — showing how they wear our historically accurate accessories. We hope you enjoy this one. And we thank these women for giving us permission to use this great photo.
If you get any of our suffragist accessories, we hope you’ll share a photo with us.
What Will You Do To Promote Rights for Women? At a Minimum, VOTE to Use the Right the Suffragists Fought For.
Overall, suffragists played a crucial role in raising awareness about the many ways in which women were treated unfairly in society. They helped to bring attention to issues such as educational, employment, and legal inequality, and worked tirelessly to advocate for greater social and economic equality for women. Their efforts paved the way for many of the advances that women have made in the 20th and 21st centuries, and their legacy continues to inspire and motivate women's rights activists not just in America, but also around the world.
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