how to start an essay about women's rights

Essay on Women’s Rights

Students are often asked to write an essay on Women’s Rights in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Women’s Rights

Introduction.

Women’s rights are fundamental human rights that everyone should respect. They include the right to live free from violence, to be educated, to vote, and to earn a fair wage.

History of Women’s Rights

The fight for women’s rights began in the 1800s. Women protested for the right to vote, work, and receive equal pay. Their efforts led to significant changes.

Importance of Women’s Rights

Women’s rights are vital for equality. When women have the same rights as men, societies are fairer and more balanced.

There is still work to be done to ensure women’s rights worldwide. Everyone should strive to promote and protect these rights.

250 Words Essay on Women’s Rights

The historical context.

The fight for women’s rights has been a long-standing struggle. From the suffragettes of the early 20th century who fought for women’s right to vote, to the women’s liberation movement of the 1960s which sought economic and social equality, women’s rights have been a contentious issue throughout history.

Current Status

Despite significant progress, gender inequality persists in many parts of the world. Women are still underrepresented in political and corporate leadership, they are more likely to live in poverty, and they face higher levels of violence and discrimination.

Challenges and Solutions

The path to gender equality is fraught with obstacles, including deeply entrenched societal norms and institutions. However, change is possible. Education, legislation, and societal shifts in attitudes towards gender can play a significant role in promoting women’s rights.

The fight for women’s rights is a fight for human rights. As society evolves, it is crucial to continue advocating for gender equality, not just for the benefit of women, but for the betterment of society as a whole.

500 Words Essay on Women’s Rights

Women’s rights, a subject that has been at the forefront of social and political discussions for centuries, is a complex and multifaceted issue. It encompasses a wide range of topics, from the right to vote and work to reproductive rights and gender equality. This essay aims to delve into the evolution of women’s rights, the current state of these rights, and the challenges that remain.

The Evolution of Women’s Rights

Current state of women’s rights.

The progress made in the past century is undeniable. Women have achieved significant strides in political representation, educational attainment, and economic participation. However, the fight for equality is far from over. Globally, women still earn less than men, are underrepresented in positions of power, and are more likely to experience violence and discrimination.

Challenges and the Way Forward

The struggle for women’s rights faces numerous challenges. These include deeply entrenched patriarchal norms, religious and cultural beliefs, and structural inequalities that disadvantage women. To overcome these obstacles, it is essential to continue advocating for policy changes that promote gender equality, such as equal pay legislation, paid parental leave, and laws to prevent and punish gender-based violence.

In conclusion, while significant progress has been made in the fight for women’s rights, there is still much work to be done. The struggle for gender equality is not just a women’s issue; it is a human issue that affects us all. By continuing to advocate for policy changes and cultural shifts, we can create a world where all women have the opportunity to live free from discrimination and violence, and to realize their full potential.

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Essay On Women Rights

500 words essay on women rights.

Women rights are basic human rights claimed for women and girls all over the world. It was enshrined by the United Nations around 70 years ago for every human on the earth. It includes many things which range from equal pay to the right to education. The essay on women rights will take us through this in detail for a better understanding.

Importance of Women Rights

Women rights are very important for everyone all over the world. It does not just benefit her but every member of society. When women get equal rights, the world can progress together with everyone playing an essential role.

If there weren’t any women rights, women wouldn’t have been allowed to do something as basic as a vote. Further, it is a game-changer for those women who suffer from gender discrimination .

Women rights are important as it gives women the opportunity to get an education and earn in life. It makes them independent which is essential for every woman on earth. Thus, we must all make sure women rights are implemented everywhere.

How to Fight for Women Rights

All of us can participate in the fight for women rights. Even though the world has evolved and women have more freedom than before, we still have a long way to go. In other words, the fight is far from over.

First of all, it is essential to raise our voices. We must make some noise about the issues that women face on a daily basis. Spark up conversations through your social media or make people aware if they are misinformed.

Don’t be a mute spectator to violence against women, take a stand. Further, a volunteer with women rights organisations to learn more about it. Moreover, it also allows you to contribute to change through it.

Similarly, indulge in research and event planning to make events a success. One can also start fundraisers to bring like-minded people together for a common cause. It is also important to attend marches and protests to show actual support.

History has been proof of the revolution which women’s marches have brought about. Thus, public demonstrations are essential for demanding action for change and impacting the world on a large level.

Further, if you can, make sure to donate to women’s movements and organisations. Many women of the world are deprived of basic funds, try donating to organizations that help in uplifting women and changing their future.

You can also shop smartly by making sure your money is going for a great cause. In other words, invest in companies which support women’s right or which give equal pay to them. It can make a big difference to women all over the world.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of the Essay on Women Rights

To sum it up, only when women and girls get full access to their rights will they be able to enjoy a life of freedom . It includes everything from equal pay to land ownerships rights and more. Further, a country can only transform when its women get an equal say in everything and are treated equally.

FAQ of Essay on Women Rights

Question 1: Why are having equal rights important?

Answer 1: It is essential to have equal rights as it guarantees people the means necessary for satisfying their basic needs, such as food, housing, and education. This allows them to take full advantage of all opportunities. Lastly, when we guarantee life, liberty, equality, and security, it protects people against abuse by those who are more powerful.

Question 2: What is the purpose of women’s rights?

Answer 2: Women’s rights are the essential human rights that the United Nations enshrined for every human being on the earth nearly 70 years ago. These rights include a lot of rights including the rights to live free from violence, slavery, and discrimination. In addition to the right to education, own property; vote and to earn a fair and equal wage.

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How to Write a Marvelous Women’s Rights Essay

Being a college student means being ready to handle academic assignments on various topics, issues, and questions. It is no problem if you have no idea how to write a progress repor t, or you ask yourself, “How should I write my term paper on the most important historical events in the USA?” or if you are mulling over “How to write my coursework ?”, or if you are looking for some professional help with “How should I write my dissertation if I am not quite familiar with the issue it covers?”

In this situation, you have several solutions: on the one hand, you can turn to our professional service with your “ write my essay for me ” request or visit our website and get some writing tips for free. 

Writing a women’s rights essay may sound too feminist. But don’t think this way! Essays and books that touch women’s rights issues have had great influence on society. Speeches, social activities, and publications are only a small part of the continuous struggle of women for their rights and freedoms. All these have turned women from mere housewives into persons with rights and freedoms. Women all over the world began to fight not only for the right to vote and work, but also for the voice in their own families.

Feminism is a recognition that people are treated differently depending on their biological sex and prevailing dominance of gender norms. Women face inequalities at schools, colleges, and work. Many of them have limited access to recourse and politics. Domestic and intimate partner violence and sexual assaults are conducted all over the world on regular basis. And feminism is a woman’s decision to fight these inequalities to create a more equitable society.

To be a feminist means to recognize a woman as an independent, full-fledged person. Both men and women can share feminist ideas. But if we consider feminism as women’s movement for rights and freedoms, then a man can be considered as their ally and a like-minded person.

What is a women’s rights essay

When you ask yourself, “How should I write my college essay on a specific issue?” it is very important to understand the entire goal of your writing. For example, when working on a point of view essay , you have to understand which point of view you are going to present, as well as when working on an observation essay , you have to understand what you will take a look at.  A women’s rights essay is an essay written on topics related to feminism and women’s rights movements. Writing a women’s rights essay may involve the research of historical aspects of women’s rights movements, investigating and analyzing the most urgent problems connected with limitation of women’s rights and freedoms, and highlighting solutions to the problems. To write a good women’s rights essay you need to use your skills to persuade, analyze, and think critically.

Usually, women’s rights essays are written in an analytical, descriptive, or persuasive style. As any academic assignment, these essays should be based on articles and publications from reliable sources. Every point of view should be supported by evidence with quotations, statistics, or facts. The essay should be properly cited and formatted according to the required formatting style.

In this article our essay writers want to share with you some approaches and ideas that may be helpful when writing a women’s rights essay.

Thesis ideas for a women’s rights essay

Sometimes, students come to us with their “ write my research pape r” or “ write my assignment ” requests because they are assigned a paper in a field they are not familiar with. Of course, in this case, college learners are more likely to face challenges because they need to choose the topic to cover. As a solution, you can search for some up-to-date thesis ideas that could help you choose something relevant to your audience.   In this article, we are going to take a look at some thesis ideas for a women’s rights essay.  This type of essay can touch all spheres that are connected with women’s rights. You can discuss the role of women in a particular epoch, analyze women’s rights movements and organizations, explore the issues on women’s equality, and much more.

Usually essays are connected with the most urgent women’s rights issues. Below you can see the list of issues accompanied by thesis statements.

• Child marriage.

Thesis: Child marriage should be banned, as it puts young girls at risk of early pregnancies with life-threatening conditions. Countries should use progressive programs to reduce child marriage.

• Domestic violence.

Thesis: Violence from intimate partners can move from threats and verbal abuse to acts of violence. The paper will discuss the causes and consequences of violence from an intimate partner in hetero and gay couples.

• Gender equality.

Thesis: The paper will discuss the need of quality maternal health care and health education in third world countries.

• Sexual violence and rape.

Thesis: Sexual assault cannot be justified in any case. Students should learn how to minimize the risk of becoming a victim and how to help those who have been abused.

• Women in the army.

Thesis: Women veterans are more prone to becoming homeless and committing suicide than civilian women. The paper discusses the ways to improve the life of women veterans.

• Labor rights.

Thesis: Women are paid less than men, so the government should have great attention to controlling payment systems according to gender.

• Sexual and reproductive rights.

Thesis: Women should have the right to decide whether to have an abortion or not. And if the woman will decide to leave the child, she should be supported by the government.

• Women’s access to justice.

Thesis: To solve the problem of the poor access women have to justice, we should understand causes and consequences of this issue.

If you want more topic ideas for your essay – check our women’s rights topics . Our use our free AI essay writer tool to generate more ideas on this specific topic.

Women’s rights essay intro paragraph

Here is an example of an introduction paragraph for women’s rights essay.

Title: Intimate Partner Violence

One of the most common forms of violence against women is intimate partner violence. For more than a century ago, it was considered more of a normal thing to beat a woman. In many countries it’s still common. The problem of domestic violence has long been a taboo issue, and still it faces resistance from society on addressing this problem.

There are many myths about the problem of intimate partner violence, such as that violence occurs only in socially disadvantaged families, that there is a certain appearance and social position of women subjected to violence, etc. Violence exists in all social groups regardless of the level of income, education, position in society, class, race, culture, religion, and socioeconomic aspects.

Women’s rights essay examples

When you are suffering difficulties with writing your college paper, whether you are looking for some “ write my personal statement ” assistance, or you are searching for “ write my PowerPoint presentation ” help, or you simply need a professional to entrust your “ write my APA paper ” order to, a quality sample paper can show you the best route.

On our website , you can find more ideas for your essay in our samples dedicated to women’s rights:

• The role of women at the beginning of the 20th century
• How the American Revolution influenced women’s rights in the 18th century
• Views of Coco Chanel on women’s rights

Women’s rights essay sample

In the text below you can find a full example of a women’s rights essay. Consider the structure, transition phrases, and how the author approaches the topic.

Are We Still Fighting for Women’s Rights Today? Why or Why Not?

Apparently, the modern world finds itself amid the exaltation of another feminist movement wave. In fact, feminism as a global movement, and not only for women’s rights but for the equality of human rights, has been at the top of the list of every contemporary dispute all over the range of social groups. Feminism as a movement emerged at the dawn of the previous century and has had its growth and decline. In the last five years, it has become a trend to discuss the rights of women in terms of the equality of rights in general. However, the movement does not occur to limit itself within verbal disputes only, as it has spread in many other areas of actions, such as legal norms, mass media presentations, and many others. Accordingly, we are still fighting for women’s rights today.

Many apparent and less apparent reasons influence the fact that the struggle for the rights of women continues. Feminists all over the globe are implementing their discussions and actions in terms of various facets of the question of human rights (Shachar, 2006). The primary basis that grounds the discussion constitutes the argument of human rights that serves as a critical justification for the existence of the feminist movement (Bunch, 1990, p. 486). This way, an ordinary feminist would always claim that human rights and equality are a critical prerogative that encompasses the overall ideology of the feminist movement. As is underlined by Bunch, women being equal with men, which is the main slogan that represents the idea, includes the right of women within the given perspective. Accordingly, one might as well happen to claim that in spite of many victories on the side of the feminist movement, there is still an evident manifestation of the fact that the struggle continues, and women still fight for their rights.

It has already been mentioned that the fight for women’s rights continues within many facets of its perspective, as it encompasses the terms of legal implementation of norms, ideological persuasion through media, and simple alternation of the ethical norms conductions. Such a thing as the use of feminine words is one of the key examples that claim to interpret the struggle and its spread within the ideological perspective. Through the meager details that spread to the ethical norms of the professional environment, the alterations of which lead to the positive change from the initiative of the feminist movement, the ideology, and general perception spread itself (Shachar, 2006). For instance, as the manager shakes hands with male representatives of the work community and ignores merely the female part of the audience, people who appear to step up against the male-biased norm of the professional ethics ritual represent the evidence of the topicality of the feminist movement. One might also appear to claim that meager details that could as well seem to be irrelevant present the most critical element that allows asserting the fact that the fight for women’s rights continues.

It also occurs to be essential to realize that formality is never enough for the feminist movement to be active. This way, for the fight for equality, for human rights and for the rights of women to go on, it appears to be crucial to avoid empty promises and formal changes. Feminists must take into consideration the fact that implementing the legal changes on the official level is what the movement altogether must strive for. Making sure that women are paid as much as men, that administrative positions are occupied by women as much as by men, that women do get the same career chances as men, that politics allows for women to be equal opponents to men who can take the same positions at the governmental organs, is an evident change that claims the feminist movement to be successful in terms of their fight for human rights and equality. All in all, feminists who struggle in their battle for the right of not only women, but humanity as a whole, must look out for the empty promises and false changes; however, it is vital to concentrate on the fact of institutional change. For this reason, the women’s rights movement also considers the legal change to be institutional, as specified on this level the change in the community comes.

Nevertheless, the implementation of the initiative articulates itself quite evidently from the changes that follow from the initial steps that individuals make within a community. It occurs to be spoken of schools and kindergartens, but elementary schools specifically, where the children perceive the existent norm in their community, which they manage to impose on society in general. Thus, the changes in society that are perceived in early childhood influence the fact of the existence of the feminist movement and its success.

Eventually, by summing up, one has to underline the fact that there is an evident manifestation in modern society that the fight for women’s rights continues. The rise of the feminist movement wave, in which contemporary society appears to find itself, claims to have its success in various areas of the global range. It is vital that changes occur not only on the formal level, but also find their evident employment on the institutional level.

Bunch, Charlotte. “Women’s rights as human rights: Toward a re-vision of human rights.” Human Rights Quarterly, vol 12, no. 4, 1990, p. 486. JSTOR, doi:10.2307/762496. Shachar, Ayelet. Multicultural jurisdictions: Cultural differences and women’s rights. Cambridge Univ. Press, 2006.

Where to find additional information and inspiration for women rights essay

We are happy to provide lists of documents, books, and movies that may inspire you with ideas for your women’s rights essay. Also, you can find helpful information and facts.

Documents to study:

– Seneca Falls Convention (1848) – The Declaration of Sentiments (1848) – National Women’s Conference (1977) – Speech: “Ain’t I a Woman?” (1851)

Books to read:

– “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1892) – Charlotte Perkins Gilman – “The Second Sex” (1949) – Simone de Beauvoir – “The Feminine Mystique” (1963) – Betty Friedan – “The Bell Jar” (1967) – Sylvia Plath – “The Beauty Myth” (1990) – Naomi Wolf – “Desert Flower” (1998) – Waris Dirie – “Global Woman: Nannies, Maids, and Sex Workers in the New Economy” (2003) – Barbara Ehrenreich – “Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?” (2011) – Jeanette Winterson – “The Second Shift” (2012) – Arlie Russell Hochschild

Movies to see:

– “The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter” (1980) – “Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice” (1989) – “A League of Their Own” (1992) – “Ma Vie en Rose” (1997) – “The Contender” (2000) – “Whale Rider” (2002) – “Killing Us Softly 4: Advertising’s Image of Women” (2010) – “The Women’s Balcony” (2016) – “Battle of the Sexes” (2017)

Women’s rights essay help from writing experts

Many college students come to us with their “ write my paper for cheap ” requests daily, and we do our best to provide quality assistance at reasonable prices so that as many students as possible can get professional help with challenging writing.

Writing a women’s rights essay may be both easy and difficult. We sincerely hope that this article will help you create a good essay, or at least will inspire you on writing one. However, if you have some troubles with writing your assignment, just know that EssayShark is here to help you. Fill in your specifications in the order form and get a completely unique paper by the deadline.

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Comprehensive Argumentative essay example on the Rights of Women

What You'll Learn

Women’s rights have been a significant focal point in the ongoing discourse on social justice and equality. The struggle for women’s rights is deeply rooted in history, marked by milestones and setbacks. While progress has undeniably been made, there remain persistent challenges that necessitate continued advocacy and action. This essay argues that the advancement of women’s rights is not only a matter of justice and equality but also a fundamental imperative for societal progress.(Comprehensive Argumentative essay example on the Rights of Women)

The historical context of women’s rights is marked by a legacy of systemic discrimination, limited opportunities, and societal norms that perpetuated gender inequality. From the suffragette movement to the fight for reproductive rights, women have consistently challenged oppressive structures. The recognition of women’s rights as human rights, as articulated in international conventions, underscores the global commitment to address historical injustices and promote gender equality.(Comprehensive Argumentative essay example on the Rights of Women)

One crucial aspect of women’s rights is economic empowerment . The gender pay gap and limited access to economic resources have persisted despite advancements in the workplace. Empowering women economically not only contributes to their individual well-being but also enhances overall societal prosperity. Research consistently demonstrates that economies thrive when women actively participate in the workforce and have equal opportunities for career advancement.(Comprehensive Argumentative essay example on the Rights of Women)

Education is a powerful catalyst for social change, and ensuring equal access to education for girls and women is integral to advancing women’s rights. When women are educated, they become catalysts for positive change within their communities. Educated women are more likely to make informed decisions about their lives, contribute meaningfully to society, and break the cycle of poverty.

Rights Securing women’s rights includes safeguarding their reproductive health and rights. Access to comprehensive healthcare, including reproductive services, is essential for women to have control over their bodies and make autonomous choices about family planning. Policies that prioritize women’s health contribute to a healthier and more equitable society.(Comprehensive Argumentative essay example on the Rights of Women)

Violence Against Women Addressing and preventing violence against women is a critical component of the women’s rights agenda. Gender-based violence not only inflicts harm on individual women but also perpetuates a culture of fear and inequality. Legal frameworks, awareness campaigns, and support services are essential tools in combating violence against women and ensuring their safety and well-being.(Comprehensive Argumentative essay example on the Rights of Women)

In conclusion, the advancement of women’s rights is not only a moral imperative but also a crucial factor in fostering societal progress. A comprehensive approach that addresses historical injustices, economic disparities, educational opportunities, reproductive rights, and violence against women is essential. As we strive for a more equitable future, it is imperative that individuals, communities, and governments actively support and promote women’s rights, recognizing that the empowerment of women is synonymous with the advancement of society as a whole.(Comprehensive Argumentative essay example on the Rights of Women)

80 Topic Ideas for Your Argumentative Essay

• Universal Basic Income
• Climate Change and Environmental Policies
• Gun Control Laws
• Legalization of Marijuana
• Capital Punishment
• Immigration Policies
• Healthcare Reform
• Artificial Intelligence Ethics
• Cybersecurity and Privacy
• Online Education vs. Traditional Education
• Animal Testing
• Nuclear Energy
• Social Media Impact on Society
• Gender Pay Gap
• Affirmative Action
• Censorship in the Media
• Genetic Engineering and Designer Babies
• Mandatory Vaccinations
• Electoral College vs. Popular Vote
• Police Brutality and Reform
• School Uniforms
• Space Exploration Funding
• Internet Neutrality
• Autonomous Vehicles and Ethics
• Nuclear Weapons Proliferation
• Racial Profiling
• Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
• Cultural Appropriation
• Socialism vs. Capitalism
• Mental Health Stigma
• Income Inequality
• Renewable Energy Sources
• Legalization of Prostitution
• Affirmative Consent Laws
• Education Funding
• Prescription Drug Prices
• Parental Leave Policies
• Ageism in the Workplace
• Single-payer Healthcare System
• Bullying Prevention in Schools
• Government Surveillance
• LGBTQ+ Rights
• Nuclear Disarmament
• GMO Labeling
• Workplace Diversity
• Obesity and Public Health
• Immigration and Border Security
• Free Speech on College Campuses
• Alternative Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine
• Childhood Vaccination Requirements
• Mass Surveillance
• Renewable Energy Subsidies
• Cultural Diversity in Education
• Youth and Political Engagement
• School Vouchers
• Social Justice Warriors
• Internet Addiction
• Human Cloning
• Artistic Freedom vs. Cultural Sensitivity
• College Admissions Policies
• Cyberbullying
• Privacy in the Digital Age
• Nuclear Power Plants Safety
• Cultural Impact of Video Games
• Aging Population and Healthcare
• Animal Rights
• Obesity and Personal Responsibility
• Reproductive Rights
• Charter Schools
• Military Spending
• Immigration and Economic Impact
• Mandatory Military Service
• Workplace Harassment Policies
• Cultural Globalization
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Immigration Detention Centers
• Antibiotic Resistance
• Internet Censorship
• Discrimination in the Workplace
• Space Colonization

Brownlee, K. (2020). Being sure of each other: an essay on social rights and freedoms. Oxford University Press, USA. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=kTjpDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Argumentative+essay+example+on+the+Rights+of+Women&ots=oysLrPE6ux&sig=ANTnu_5AH4_3PMfGG0XdMzxBpLA

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How To Write Women’s Rights Essay

Table of Contents

How to Write an Essay on Women Rights

• How to start
• How to write body paragraphs
• How to conclude
• Outline sample

Women rights are the entitlements claimed for women and girls in the society. These rights go beyond the right to vote or even own property. For the past years women have been struggling to be considered individuals in their own right, defined by their own terms and by their own intellect and accomplishments, not their gender. They have fought to be accorded the same respect as their male counterparts politically, legally, in the office, in education opportunities and even in their own families. This struggle did not start yesterday. A woman is a symbol of love, independence, care and emotional intensity, be it love or hate. That is why any issue involving her is very sensitive and must be handled critically including how to write an essay on women rights.

How to start an essay on women’s rights

An essay on women rights has to be written based on facts because it is something that has, is and will still affect the world in one way or another. The introduction of this essay has to grab the audience’s attention fully. Start with startling facts, either a statistical finding or a statement about women. It does not have to be new to your readers and can even be put in form of a question then add a sentence or two to elaborate. An example of such could be, “Did you know that American women who were jailed for demonstrating for the right to vote were force fed in prisons when they went for hunger strikes?” (WHMN, 2007) This question is enough to make your audience want to know more of what you are talking about. A few sentences explaining the topic in general terms can also act as an introduction as it gently leads your audience to your thesis statement. Definitions of key words like woman, rights and women rights in general come in handy. A brief overview on women rights, the struggle and how the society portrays women also contribute to a detailed introduction. The thesis statement should fall in the last line so that the ideas in the following paragraphs can flow based on it. An example of a thesis statement is, “women’s lives have drastically changed from having almost no freedom in the past to having a say in society today.”

How to write body for an essay on women’s rights

In order to have a free flow of ideas, a rough draft of the main points to be discussed in each paragraph has to be made. The body’s paragraphs have the same structure. Start by writing down the first point of your discussion in sentence form. This forms the topic sentence which is the basis of the paragraph. If your main idea is “religious perspective of women rights” then you can begin your paragraph by saying “women are viewed as God’s special gift to man”. Supporting statements should come thereafter with very clear and convincing elaborations. In this case, for example, quoted Bible or Quran verses can act as supporting statements that you can elaborate with your own words in three to five sentences. Correct use quotes and anecdotes appeals more to the hearts of the audience.  If you wish, include a summary statement at the end of the discussion.

How to conclude an essay on women’s rights

The conclusion brings closure to the reader by summing up all the points discussed. It also provides a final perspective on the topic .  Consider beginning your conclusion with a lead- in phrase but avoid the over used, clichéd and stiff terms like, “in conclusion” and “in closing”. All the main points discussed in the body are to be summarized in the last paragraph. The points, however, should be rephrased and not written word for word. Reintroduce the thesis statement in different words even if it’s only in passing. Remember, your thesis is your main point of discussion. Be authoritative, stand your ground undoubtedly. Fight for women rights passionately. Appeal to your audience’s emotions. Let your voice be heard clearly through your words. Avoid uncertain language like “I think” or “I am not so sure but” in your writing. Women’s rights are real issues, full of factual information and statistics. Do not apologize for your great ideas on women rights or use heavily- qualifying language. This is an issue that affects the whole world. If need be include a call to action. Convince people to change how they view women. Make them appreciate their role in their lives and in the society at large. All in all, the essay conclusion has to be short and straight to the point.

Outline Sample

An outline is a blueprint for your essay. With it, you can easily organize your thoughts. The outline page must include the title which is Women rights, the thesis statement, major points indicated by roman numerals and supporting statements indicated by capital letters. The first Roman numeral is the introduction and the last one is the conclusion. Below is a sample outline for an essay on women rights.

Introduction

• Start with facts and figures explaining women rights in detail
• Start with startling facts, either a statistical finding or a statement about women.
• You may also quote a notable figure inn history who championed for women rights.
• Come up with a catchy thesis statement that attracts your readers’ attention.

Body paragraphs

• Start with relevant topic sentences
• Following the topic sentences, are supportive sentences that should have detailed arguments supporting women’s rights.
• Correct use quotes and anecdotes appeals more to the hearts of the audience
• If you wish, include a summary statement at the end of every discussion.
• This is a summary of the main ideas and arguments discussed.
• Be sure to include recommendations on how women rights can be upheld.

Power of Women’s Rights Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Works cited.

The struggle for women’s rights and abolition were intricately linked movements of the 19 th century. Professor Kelton in fact has argued that the former was in many ways an unintended outcome of the latter. Kathryn Kish Sklar is one of the women who were born in the early 19 th century and played a great role of ensuring that women achieve their equality with their male counterparts.

Thus, the 19 th century marked an era when this feminist views gradually came into play and greatly influenced gender interactions. Despite the challenges facing the women’s rights movement, the group is important movement that introduces women to equal opportunities with men.

How the Anti-Slavery Movement Challenge Established Notions of Manhood and Womanhood

Kathryn Kish Sklar’s general idea in the book is to enlighten people on the role of women in the society during the 19 th century, how it changed dramatically, how women began to realize the various opportunities for them outside the domestic scene.

She demonstrates this by showing how the white women became sympathizers of the black women who were held as slaves and were fighting for their liberation. Gender equality was the driving force behind the pushing for the freedom of slaves. As a result, the traditional views of women were changing, hence bringing about the notion of feminism (Sklar 14).

On the other hand, Feminism precedes anti-feminism. This means that when one makes an effort to eliminate male dominion in the society, another tries to counter this efforts in order to maintain the status quo (Heilmann 51). The issue of feminism was countered by the United States government by abolishing slavery and giving the black men the rights to vote instead (64). This shows that the government was not ready to offer the women their rights as it decided to be gender biased.

What Led the Grimké Sisters to Conclude That They Should Pursue Women’s Rights and Abolition

Sklar (31) points out that the Grimke sisters had a growing belief that every human being is an independent entity and only subject to God and not to another human being. In 1829, the Grimke sisters traveled from South Carolina to Philadelphia where they found an opportunity of justifying the rights for women in addressing their issues in public.

They received oppositions from the clergy men from South Carolina’s men, thus making the Grimke sisters to form the women’s rights movement in Philadelphia as they knew that the Orthodox Quakers in Philadelphia did not only oppose the issue of slavery but were also not ready to deal with challenging social issues that would result to disunity among members of their community.

Despite the fact that they still had a challenge of addressing the issues concerning women equality, the Grimke sisters managed to convey their intended message using the biblical point of view. This is illustrated through Angelina who claimed that she did not recognize the difference between the rights of men and the rights of women since Jesus Christ does not advocate for inequality (Sklar 35).

Therefore, the Grimke sisters objected the slavery and their inequality with their male counterparts by basing their arguments on a Christianity point of view. By addressing their issues publicly, they managed to push for the abolition of various rules that worked to their disadvantage. Some of these rules included obtaining the husband’s consent while carrying out some activities, loosing of their names once they got married, loosing their property once the women got married, lack of power in controlling the children (Sklar 53).

The Grimke sisters played a critical role in facilitating the passing of the married woman’s property law in 1850.This law provided the married women with an opportunity of owning as well as inheriting property (Sklar 96). Through these movements, the women continued pushing for other things such as schooling. As a result, they acquired high skilled jobs such as doctors. More over, in the civil war period they served as nurses to soldiers (104).

What Women in the Women’s Rights Movement Wanted and the Reasons Why

Towards the mid 19 th century, during the time of economic growth the family unit begun to realize that they needed to work together to keep up with a changing world with new opportunities and intensified needs (Weiss and Marilyn 103).

Most men went to urban centers to work in industries and women were left at home to carry out domestic work which included raising children, cooking and cleaning and being there when the husbands return. This resulted into a new dynamic in gender roles where women increasingly felt that they needed to do more to contribute to the welfare of the household through earning an income. This can be seen as the origin of women’s right movement whose reception was not welcomed by their male counterparts.

The women however did not relent on the push for their rights. In 1834, various women’s societies which comprised of members from Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and New England collaborated in order to abolish prostitution as well as other types of women’s sexual harassment. The women in United States continued to fight for their rights to vote in 1848, hence leading to National Women’s Rights Convention in 1850 which was headed by male who supported this move (Sklar 109).

In 1858, the rights for women however went to greater heights as they demanded for their reproductive rights. In spite the fact that women contributed greatly in the anti-slavery movement, their participation was however controversial and this led to a division in the American Anti-Slavery Society (AASS) in 1839 after Kelley Foster was elected as a business committee member (Sklar 111).

Therefore, the anti-slavery movement created an avenue for the formation of the women’s right movement thus bringing about what women wanted; women public speakers such as Grimke sisters, and Abby Kelly Foster among others. Women perceived that by being in a position of public speakers will provide them with an opportunity of creating a considerable impact on social changes of the women in the society.

How the Issues of Race and Gender Complicate the Respective Abolitionist and Suffrage Movements and Then Ultimately Weaken the Latter

The issue of race in the abolitionist and suffrage movement came as a result of the black women been given the rights to vote. This made the white men to be scared of what would happen if a women’s government came in place (Sklar 112).This facilitated the spread of racism into the women’s right movement which was instigated from both within the groups as well as outside the group.

On the other hand, the white women feared that the black men would take up their positions in the political arena and hence they started to portray racism within the movement (Fluehr-Lobban 190). Hence, the issue of race and gender complicated the abolitionist and suffrage movement, thus weakening it in the latter through formation of black women rights movement and white women right movement.

From the above illustrations, Kathryn Kish Sklar’s demonstrates the power of the women’s rights movement by expressing the women’s words, deeds and life experiences. Women like the Grimke sisters who were the pioneers of the movement during the time of the anti-slavery movement have influenced the women of the 20 th and the 21 st century. The 19 th century marked an era during which the foundation of what today is referred to as “the independent woman” was laid.

However, in spite the fact that the Grimke sisters managed to fight for the role of women in the society, racism thereafter played a critical role in segregating the blacks among the whites, thus forming what we see currently; the white women activist movement and the black women activist movement.

Fluehr-Lobban, Carolyn. Race and racism: an introduction. Lanham, MD: Rowman Altamira, 2006, pp. 186-194.

Heilmann, Anne. Anti-feminism in Edwardian literature. London: Thoemmes Continuum, 2006, pp. 46-93.

Sklar, Kathryn. Women’s rights emerges within the anti-slavery movement, 1830-1870. Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2000, pp. 113-12.

Weiss, Penny and Marilyn Friedman. Feminism and community. Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press, 1995, pp. 109- 99.

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Women Rights - Free Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

This has been a crucial topic of discussion for decades, and it continues to be relevant today. It’s an issue that is observed worldwide and has an impact on gender equality. Creating an essay on women rights can be a daunting task, which is why it’s essential to check out a finished women’s rights essay example.

Our experts have prepared a collection of persuasive and argumentative essays on women’s rights to help students understand the various issues surrounding this topic. Discrimination has been a struggle that women have faced for a long time. Through the feminist movement, women have fought for their freedom, speech, and equality. The ongoing push for equal treatment and opportunities has sparked important conversations and initiatives across societies globally.

When picking a research paper or college essay topics, consider the importance of a well-structured outline that includes an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. The essay’s introductions should provide the background and context of the topic, while thesis statements should present clear and concise concepts of the essay’s main argument.

In the body of the essay, students can discuss the different situations where the rights of a woman are affected and provide evidence to support their arguments. They can also explore the various titles that women have held and continue to hold.

Writing about women’s rights is essential, and it’s crucial to have a good understanding of the topic. By using our collection of essay samples, students can gain a more profound understanding of the relevant problems in today’s society and the various perspectives on this topic.

About Women Rights and Equality

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Women Rights in all Countries

One of the most important targets of humanity is that everyone benefits from human rights equally. Human rights are fundamental rights and these rights appeared with the beginning of humanity. Human rights can be considered natural rights because the origin of these rights is natural law. These rights were considered only for men in the past and women were excluded. This exclusion led to the emergence of feminism. These rights didn’t arise suddenly. They influenced by changes in history. Because […]

Abortion and Women’s Rights

In spite of women's activist desires, the matter of conceptive decision in the United States was not settled in 1973 by the important Supreme Court choice on account of Roe v. Wade. From the beginning there was animal-like restriction by the Catholic Church. Anyway, in the course of at least the last 20 years, the too early or soon birth discussion has changed into a definitely spellbound, meaningful debate between two differentiating societal talks that are moored to the problems […]

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Women Rights in Pakistan

Throughout history, the role of women has always been determined by the men in society. They have had very different experiences in different times. In some societies and times, the women were able to be powerful leaders and warriors. Yet, in other societies, they have had strict expectations placed on them that forced them to be seen as inferior to men. It wasn’t until recently in the 20th century that women began taking charge and determining what roles they want […]

Women’s Rights in the United States in the 1970s

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Womens Rights in the French Revolution

Prior to the French revolution, events such as the Enlightenment also known as the “Age of Reason” sparked a new outlook on traditional french society. From this movement arose the spirit of question in which the people began to question just about everything including the manner in which they treat women. Throughout the 18th century concepts and principles established by both Catholic Church and Protestant authorities were highly valued. Therefore the “ideal” woman was perceived to be poise and subordinate […]

Women’s Rights in Pride and Prejudice

Do not consider me now as an elegant female intending to plague you, but as a rational creature speaking the truth from her heart."(Austen 94). Woman's rights have been a popular and important topic for the past three centuries, and will continue to be in the future. Jane Austen is widely known and praised for her controversial ideas and opinions in her literary fiction novel,Pride and Prejudice. Much before the time of the fight for women's rights, Jane Austen brought […]

Women’s Rights to Choose

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Equality between Men and Women

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An Issue of Women’s Reproductive Rights

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Women’s Right and Abolitionist Movement

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Elizabeth Stanton’s Impact on Women’s Rights Movement

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Women’s Rights in the Middle East

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History of Women’S Rights in India

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Women’s Rights in America

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The Battle Fight for the Equality and Rights of Women

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Women’s Rights: a Huge Movement

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Question of Womens Educational Rights

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Early Development of Women’s Rights

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The Status of Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Rights

The consequences of sexual behaviour between women and men have driven a desire and determination of women to control their fertility, yet in an environment in which anti-choice legislators and organizations do not protect women's reproductive rights, there is an ongoing dispute on who decides the fate of such rights. The status of women's sexual and reproductive rights remains controversial and while there have been many attempts to gain such basic human right, the fight for reproductive freedoms remains intense. […]

Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities

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An Issue of Women’s International Rights

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Women’s Reproductive Rights are under Attack

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Understanding of Women’s Liberation Movement

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The Question of Woman’s Role in the World

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Women’s Rights in China

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Main Issues of Women’s Rights

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Culture Vs Human Rights Women Edition

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How To Write an Essay About Women Rights

Understanding women's rights.

Before starting an essay about women's rights, it is essential to understand the history and current state of women's rights globally. Women's rights encompass a range of freedoms and rights, which include the right to live free from violence and discrimination, enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, be educated, participate in political life, and benefit from economic rights. Start your essay by providing a historical overview of women's rights, discussing significant movements like suffrage and feminism, and addressing key legal milestones. Also, consider the varying challenges faced by women in different societies and cultures and how these have evolved over time.

Developing a Thesis Statement

A strong essay on women's rights should be anchored by a clear, focused thesis statement. This statement should present a specific viewpoint or argument about women's rights. For instance, you might examine the progress made in women's rights over a particular period, analyze the impact of feminism on women's rights, or discuss the challenges still facing women's rights in certain areas of the world. Your thesis will guide the direction of your essay and provide a structured approach to your analysis.

Gathering Supporting Evidence

Support your thesis with relevant data, research findings, and historical examples. This might include statistics on gender equality, case studies of women's rights movements, examples of significant legal changes, or personal narratives. Use this evidence to support your thesis and build a persuasive argument. Remember to consider various perspectives, including international viewpoints, and address potential counterarguments to your thesis.

Analyzing the Impact of Women's Rights Movements

Dedicate a section of your essay to analyzing the impact of women's rights movements. Discuss how these movements have changed societal attitudes and legal frameworks, leading to improved rights and freedoms for women. Explore both the successes and ongoing challenges, considering the intersectionality of issues such as race, class, and sexuality. This analysis should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of women's rights.

Concluding the Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points of your discussion and restating your thesis in light of the evidence provided. Your conclusion should tie together your analysis and emphasize the importance of continuing to fight for women's rights. You might also want to suggest areas for future research or action needed to advance women's rights further.

Reviewing and Refining Your Essay

After completing your essay, review and refine it for clarity and coherence. Ensure that your arguments are well-structured and supported by evidence. Check for grammatical accuracy and ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next. Consider seeking feedback from peers, educators, or women's rights activists to further improve your essay. A well-crafted essay on women's rights will not only demonstrate your understanding of the topic but also your ability to engage critically with social and political issues.

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Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Feminism — Women's Rights

Essays on Women's Rights

Essay topics on women's rights and thesis statement examples, argumentative essay topics about women's rights.

• Should gender quotas be implemented in corporate boardrooms to ensure equal representation?
• Is the gender pay gap a myth or a reality in today's workforce?
• Do women in developed countries still face significant barriers to equality?
• Should parental leave policies be made equal for both men and women to promote gender equality?
• Is the representation of women in politics sufficient to address their issues effectively?
• Are beauty standards and media portrayal of women detrimental to their rights and self-image?
• Does the #MeToo movement significantly impact women's rights and societal attitudes towards sexual harassment?
• Should reproductive rights, including access to contraception and abortion, be universally protected for women?
• Is the current legal framework sufficient to combat domestic violence against women?
• Do traditional gender roles hinder the advancement of women's rights in modern society?

The History of Women's Suffrage Movements

Thesis Statement: The women's suffrage movement was a critical turning point in history, highlighting the persistent struggle for gender equality and laying the foundation for women's rights in various spheres of life.

Gender Pay Gap: Causes and Consequences

Thesis Statement: The persistent gender pay gap is a multifaceted issue rooted in historical discrimination, occupational segregation, and unequal opportunities, and addressing it is crucial for achieving economic gender equality.

The Role of Women in Politics: Challenges and Progress

Thesis Statement: While significant progress has been made in recent years, women still face unique challenges in the political sphere, including gender bias, underrepresentation, and the need for policy changes to promote gender equality in politics.

Violence Against Women: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Thesis Statement: The global issue of violence against women is deeply rooted in societal norms, gender stereotypes, and power dynamics, and combating it requires comprehensive strategies that address its underlying causes.

Women's Reproductive Rights and Health

Thesis Statement: Women's reproductive rights are fundamental to gender equality, encompassing access to safe and legal abortion, contraception, and comprehensive healthcare services, and safeguarding these rights is essential for women's autonomy and well-being.

Feminism and Its Impact on Society

Thesis Statement: Feminism has been a powerful social and cultural force that has challenged traditional gender roles, sparked social change, and continues to shape the discourse on women's rights and gender equality.

Intersectionality: The Interplay of Gender, Race, and Class in Women's Rights

Thesis Statement: Intersectionality recognizes the complex interactions between gender, race, and socioeconomic status in shaping women's experiences and inequalities, emphasizing the need for inclusive and intersectional approaches to women's rights advocacy.

Women in STEM: Breaking Barriers and Achieving Equality

Thesis Statement: Gender disparities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields persist, but initiatives promoting diversity, mentorship, and educational reforms are gradually reducing these disparities and fostering women's success in STEM careers.

Media Representation of Women: Stereotypes and Effects

• Thesis Statement: Media has a significant influence on society's perceptions of women, often perpetuating harmful stereotypes; therefore, addressing media representation and promoting diverse and empowering portrayals are vital for women's rights.

Global Initiatives for Women's Empowerment

Thesis Statement: International organizations, governments, and grassroots movements have made significant strides in promoting women's empowerment and gender equality worldwide, demonstrating the importance of collaborative efforts to advance women's rights.

Women's Rights Essay Outline

Introduction.

• Hook: Start with a compelling anecdote or statistic related to media representation of women.
• Background information on the topic.

Historical Context of Media Representation

• Discuss how media portrayal of women has evolved over time.
• Highlight significant milestones or events that shaped media representation.

Common Stereotypes of Women in Media

• Identify and describe prevalent stereotypes perpetuated by the media.
• Provide examples from various forms of media (e.g., movies, TV shows, advertising).

The Impact of Stereotypes on Society

• Discuss how these stereotypes affect individuals, particularly women.
• Explore the role of media in shaping societal norms and expectations.

The Importance of Accurate Representation

• Explain why diverse and empowering portrayals of women are essential.
• Discuss the relationship between media representation and women's rights.

Initiatives and Movements for Change

• Highlight efforts to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote positive representation.
• Mention campaigns, organizations, and individuals advocating for change.

Case Studies and Success Stories

• Provide examples of media content that defied stereotypes and made a positive impact.
• Discuss how these cases contributed to changing perceptions.

Challenges and Resistance

• Acknowledge obstacles faced by those trying to change media representation.
• Discuss any backlash or resistance to diversifying portrayals of women.

Future Directions and Recommendations

• Offer suggestions for how media can better represent women.
• Discuss potential policy changes or industry practices that could promote diversity and empowerment.
• Summarize the key points made in the essay.
• Reiterate the importance of addressing media representation for women's rights.
• End with a call to action or a thought-provoking statement about the future of media portrayal of women.

Unpacking Feminism Unfinished: a Summary and Analysis

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Women's Rights in Today's Society

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Women’s Rights in The Past

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Problems Faced in Women Empowerment

The responsibility of legal structures in the enforcement of women's rights, women's rights movement development in the united states, the history of the struggle for women's rights in america, the impact of feminism on women's rights in law, politics, science, and the whole society, rosa parks' fight for women's rights and social justice, women's rights and roles of women in society, society of view of women's issues, feminism and its effect on society, women rights throughout history, dehumanizing women in the media, critical analysis of me too movement, feminism as a movement of the 21st century, the future of gender equality in the workplace, the version of patriachy in the qur'an, gender equality as a matter of social justice, comparing the institutions of slavery and marriage, women history of empowerment in jane eyre, depiction of women as objects in beowulf, female genital mutilation: cultural versus human rights.

Women's rights encompass the rights and privileges demanded by women and girls on a global scale. These rights have laid the foundation for the emergence of the women's rights crusade in the 1800s and the subsequent feminist movements that have persisted throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

Equal employment, right to vote, property rights, freedom of movement, informing women about their legal rights, discrimination, right to health, right to education, reproductive rights, freedom from violence, family law.

The struggle for women's rights has a rich history marked by significant events. The Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, sparked the women's rights movement by advocating for suffrage and equality. The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN highlighted gender equality globally. The early 20th-century suffragette movement secured voting rights, and the 1979 CEDAW aimed to eliminate discrimination against women worldwide.

Women's rights in modern America have advanced significantly, yet challenges remain. Legal protections exist, and women have achieved notable progress in various fields. Landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of 1972 have promoted gender equality. However, gender-based inequalities such as the pay gap, underrepresentation in leadership, and limited access to healthcare persist. Movements like #MeToo highlight ongoing issues, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and change.

• A study conducted by McKinsey & Company found that advancing gender equality in the workforce could add $12 trillion to the global GDP by 2025. This demonstrates the economic benefits of empowering women and creating equal opportunities for their participation in the labor market.
• According to the United Nations, women perform more than 75% of unpaid care and domestic work globally. This unequal distribution of unpaid labor reinforces gender disparities and limits women's ability to fully engage in paid employment and pursue their own goals and aspirations.
• In some countries, women still do not have the right to vote or drive.
• Violence against women and girls remains a widespread issue, with one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
• The gender pay gap still exists, with women earning less than men for the same work.

Women's Rights is an important topic as it addresses systemic inequalities and discrimination that women face on a daily basis. Ensuring women have equal rights and opportunities not only benefits them individually but also contributes to societal progress and overall well-being. By advocating for and upholding women's rights, we can create a more just and equitable world for all individuals.

1. Bunch, C. (1990). Women's rights as human rights: Toward a re-vision of human rights. Human rights quarterly, 12(4), 486-498. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/762496) 2. Doepke, M., Tertilt, M., & Voena, A. (2012). The economics and politics of women's rights. Annu. Rev. Econ., 4(1), 339-372. (https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-economics-061109-080201) 3. Osanloo, A. (2009). The politics of women's rights in Iran. In The Politics of Women's Rights in Iran. Princeton University Press. (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781400833160/html?lang=en) 4. Coleman, I. (2004). The payoff from women's rights. Foreign Aff., 83, 80. (https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/fora83&div=48&id=&page=) 5. Al-Hibri, A. Y. (2001). Muslim women's rights in the global village: challenges and opportunities. Journal of Law and Religion, 15, 37-66. (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-law-and-religion/article/abs/muslim-womens-rights-in-the-global-village-challenges-and-opportunities/F2AF7FAB0CD8E94D9233EB9A150C236C) 6. Agnes, F. (2001). Law and gender inequality: The politics of women's rights in India. (https://academic.oup.com/book/9051?sid=oup:oxfordacademic&genre=book&aulast=Agnes&aufirst=Flavia&title=Law+and+Gender+Inequality%3A+The+Politics+of+Women%27s+Rights+in+India&date=2001-05-31) 7. Hudson, N. F. (2009). Securitizing women's rights and gender equality. Journal of Human Rights, 8(1), 53-70. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14754830802686526) 8. Fernández, R. (2014). Women’s rights and development. Journal of Economic Growth, 19, 37-80. (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10887-013-9097-x) 9. Al-Ali, N., & Pratt, N. (2011). Between nationalism and women’s rights: The Kurdish women’s movement in Iraq. Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication, 4(3), 339-355. (https://brill.com/view/journals/mjcc/4/3/article-p339_8.xml)

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• How to Write Women's Rights Essay
• Tips for Writing a Great Essay on Women’s Rights

How to start your paper on women’s rights

Where to find good women’s rights ideas, basic stages of writing about women’s rights.

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Advice to submit an excellent essay on women’s right

Many college and university students find it hard to write a good women's rights essay because they have other education shores and social responsibilities. Simply listing the rights of a woman in the society isn’t enough. You need to research the history of relevant movements, choose interesting ideas, and take some time to create a good plan. Analyze data about the equality, freedom, and social status of women in the United States and other countries today. Come up with valuable conclusions and support them with strong evidence.

You should understand how this written assignment should look like to determine where to start. Working on your women's rights essay starts with picking an excellent topic, making a strong statement, and expressing your thoughts in a specific number of pages. How can you make things easier?

• Pick an original and unique topic on women’s rights;
• It shouldn’t be similar to the topics of your classmates;
• Don’t choose complex and simple matters;
• Look for something you’re knowledgeable about;
• Select the subject that can potentially interest your targeted readers.

Knowing what topics to look for isn’t enough to write a great paper on women’s rights because you need to understand where to find them. Most students use the Internet and find interesting suggestions on writing blogs, specific forums, and other sources (any relevant book on this issue). Browse our essay on gender equality for some fresh interesting ideas.

You can do better! Look at winning papers to determine the areas that require further research and choose one of them for your women’s rights essay. You can easily find them in your local library. Or buy essay paper  to receive some original suggestions. 

To complete this academic assignment successfully, take these basic steps:

• Pick the best theme and state your strong thesis;
• Conduct your deep research and analyze your chosen issue;
• Find credible and updates sources of information and focus on the related law;
• Create a helpful outline to organize useful ideas and facts in paragraphs and sections;
• Add more content to each part of your essay on women’s rights;
• Reread your rough draft and make the changes necessary to ensure that everything is accurate;
• Edit your final draft and look for any typing, spelling, grammar, and other mistakes;
• Ensure that you write everything in the right format;
• Cite and reference all the sources that you use for your essay on women’s rights properly;
• Ask your friends or family to proofread your piece of writing and use their suggestions to ensure that it’s perfect in all possible ways.

After taking care of these stages of the writing process, you’re ready to submit a winning paper and earn many points. How to avoid confusion? Look at a sample below because it can act as your guide.

A sample women's rights essay

Women have continued to struggle to determine the origins of their oppression for long years, decades, and even centuries. They established that patriarchy is a major obstacle to achieve equality in male and female rights, both legal and civil, and gender roles. Feminism goes back to the 18th century. This is when women began demanding voting equality. In fact, women’s suffrage was created as the reform movement that allowed all women to contend for public officers and exercise their voting rights taken for granted in modern times. This fight started in France and spread to other territories fast. It led many women to understand their rights and power to control and take part in political issues as equal citizens. Women fighting for their equality stated demands through political campaigns. Susan Anthony and Elizabeth Stanton were prominent American feminists who put their efforts in making a positive change achieving equality for all women. They advised women workers to become members of different trade unions to improve their economic situation and get better jobs. Women extended their equality demands in their labor places. They encountered discrimination based on sex and racial differences. After the Civil War in America, many women fought against their lack of voting prerogatives and role in politics increasingly. People used different mechanisms to express and focus on women’s sexuality in previous years, including movie presentations, and the middle class started comprehending this concept. In the 1960s, married and unmarried women formed special associations. They specialized in advocating for their equality in different spheres. Although they divided based on different ideological principles, they all fought for a human treatment of all women and considered it their basic target. There’s some space for the necessary amendment in women’s educational, health, property, family, and other rights to guarantee their high living standards today. We should care for its importance and impact.

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A gender roles essay is a piece of writing where a student is expected to describe his/her understanding of gender roles that are specific to males and females. Both school and college teachers assign students to write this kind of paper to check how the modern generation treats the set of social an...

If you are required to make the American dream essay, it's important to understand the goal of this paper. This term can be introduced in various perspectives. You can write about the free and happy nation that is proud to live in a great country. Or you may choose another view and tell the readers ...

5 Powerful Essays Advocating for Gender Equality

Gender equality – which becomes reality when all genders are treated fairly and allowed equal opportunities –  is a complicated human rights issue for every country in the world. Recent statistics are sobering. According to the World Economic Forum, it will take 108 years to achieve gender parity . The biggest gaps are found in political empowerment and economics. Also, there are currently just six countries that give women and men equal legal work rights. Generally, women are only given ¾ of the rights given to men. To learn more about how gender equality is measured, how it affects both women and men, and what can be done, here are five essays making a fair point.

Take a free course on Gender Equality offered by top universities!

“Countries With Less Gender Equity Have More Women In STEM — Huh?” – Adam Mastroianni and Dakota McCoy

This essay from two Harvard PhD candidates (Mastroianni in psychology and McCoy in biology) takes a closer look at a recent study that showed that in countries with lower gender equity, more women are in STEM. The study’s researchers suggested that this is because women are actually especially interested in STEM fields, and because they are given more choice in Western countries, they go with different careers. Mastroianni and McCoy disagree.

They argue the research actually shows that cultural attitudes and discrimination are impacting women’s interests, and that bias and discrimination is present even in countries with better gender equality. The problem may lie in the Gender Gap Index (GGI), which tracks factors like wage disparity and government representation. To learn why there’s more women in STEM from countries with less gender equality, a more nuanced and complex approach is needed.

“Men’s health is better, too, in countries with more gender equality” – Liz Plank

When it comes to discussions about gender equality, it isn’t uncommon for someone in the room to say, “What about the men?” Achieving gender equality has been difficult because of the underlying belief that giving women more rights and freedom somehow takes rights away from men. The reality, however, is that gender equality is good for everyone. In Liz Plank’s essay, which is an adaption from her book For the Love of Men: A Vision for Mindful Masculinity, she explores how in Iceland, the #1 ranked country for gender equality, men live longer. Plank lays out the research for why this is, revealing that men who hold “traditional” ideas about masculinity are more likely to die by suicide and suffer worse health. Anxiety about being the only financial provider plays a big role in this, so in countries where women are allowed education and equal earning power, men don’t shoulder the burden alone.

Liz Plank is an author and award-winning journalist with Vox, where she works as a senior producer and political correspondent. In 2015, Forbes named her one of their “30 Under 30” in the Media category. She’s focused on feminist issues throughout her career.

“China’s #MeToo Moment” –  Jiayang Fan

Some of the most visible examples of gender inequality and discrimination comes from “Me Too” stories. Women are coming forward in huge numbers relating how they’ve been harassed and abused by men who have power over them. Most of the time, established systems protect these men from accountability. In this article from Jiayang Fan, a New Yorker staff writer, we get a look at what’s happening in China.

The essay opens with a story from a PhD student inspired by the United States’ Me Too movement to open up about her experience with an academic adviser. Her story led to more accusations against the adviser, and he was eventually dismissed. This is a rare victory, because as Fan says, China employs a more rigid system of patriarchy and hierarchy. There aren’t clear definitions or laws surrounding sexual harassment. Activists are charting unfamiliar territory, which this essay explores.

“Men built this system. No wonder gender equality remains as far off as ever.” – Ellie Mae O’Hagan

Freelance journalist Ellie Mae O’Hagan (whose book The New Normal is scheduled for a May 2020 release) is discouraged that gender equality is so many years away. She argues that it’s because the global system of power at its core is broken.  Even when women are in power, which is proportionally rare on a global scale, they deal with a system built by the patriarchy. O’Hagan’s essay lays out ideas for how to fix what’s fundamentally flawed, so gender equality can become a reality.

Ideas include investing in welfare; reducing gender-based violence (which is mostly men committing violence against women); and strengthening trade unions and improving work conditions. With a system that’s not designed to put women down, the world can finally achieve gender equality.

“Invisibility of Race in Gender Pay Gap Discussions” – Bonnie Chu

The gender pay gap has been a pressing issue for many years in the United States, but most discussions miss the factor of race. In this concise essay, Senior Contributor Bonnie Chu examines the reality, writing that within the gender pay gap, there’s other gaps when it comes to black, Native American, and Latina women. Asian-American women, on the other hand, are paid 85 cents for every dollar. This data is extremely important and should be present in discussions about the gender pay gap. It reminds us that when it comes to gender equality, there’s other factors at play, like racism.

Bonnie Chu is a gender equality advocate and a Forbes 30 Under 30 social entrepreneur. She’s the founder and CEO of Lensational, which empowers women through photography, and the Managing Director of The Social Investment Consultancy.

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

A global story

This piece is part of 19A: The Brookings Gender Equality Series . In this essay series, Brookings scholars, public officials, and other subject-area experts examine the current state of gender equality 100 years after the 19th Amendment was adopted to the U.S. Constitution and propose recommendations to cull the prevalence of gender-based discrimination in the United States and around the world.

The year 2020 will stand out in the history books. It will always be remembered as the year the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the globe and brought death, illness, isolation, and economic hardship. It will also be noted as the year when the death of George Floyd and the words “I can’t breathe” ignited in the United States and many other parts of the world a period of reckoning with racism, inequality, and the unresolved burdens of history.

The history books will also record that 2020 marked 100 years since the ratification of the 19th Amendment in America, intended to guarantee a vote for all women, not denied or abridged on the basis of sex.

This is an important milestone and the continuing movement for gender equality owes much to the history of suffrage and the brave women (and men) who fought for a fairer world. Yet just celebrating what was achieved is not enough when we have so much more to do. Instead, this anniversary should be a galvanizing moment when we better inform ourselves about the past and emerge more determined to achieve a future of gender equality.

Australia’s role in the suffrage movement

In looking back, one thing that should strike us is how international the movement for suffrage was though the era was so much less globalized than our own.

For example, how many Americans know that 25 years before the passing of the 19th Amendment in America, my home of South Australia was one of the first polities in the world to give men and women the same rights to participate in their democracies? South Australia led Australia and became a global leader in legislating universal suffrage and candidate eligibility over 125 years ago.

This extraordinary achievement was not an easy one. There were three unsuccessful attempts to gain equal voting rights for women in South Australia, in the face of relentless opposition. But South Australia’s suffragists—including the Women’s Suffrage League and the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, as well as remarkable women like Catherine Helen Spence, Mary Lee, and Elizabeth Webb Nicholls—did not get dispirited but instead continued to campaign, persuade, and cajole. They gathered a petition of 11,600 signatures, stuck it together page by page so that it measured around 400 feet in length, and presented it to Parliament.

The Constitutional Amendment (Adult Suffrage) Bill was finally introduced on July 4, 1894, leading to heated debate both within the houses of Parliament, and outside in society and the media. Demonstrating that some things in Parliament never change, campaigner Mary Lee observed as the bill proceeded to committee stage “that those who had the least to say took the longest time to say it.” 1

The Bill finally passed on December 18, 1894, by 31 votes to 14 in front of a large crowd of women.

In 1897, Catherine Helen Spence became the first woman to stand as a political candidate in South Australia.

South Australia’s victory led the way for the rest of the colonies, in the process of coming together to create a federated Australia, to fight for voting rights for women across the entire nation. Women’s suffrage was in effect made a precondition to federation in 1901, with South Australia insisting on retaining the progress that had already been made. 2 South Australian Muriel Matters, and Vida Goldstein—a woman from the Australian state of Victoria—are just two of the many who fought to ensure that when Australia became a nation, the right of women to vote and stand for Parliament was included.

Australia’s remarkable progressiveness was either envied, or feared, by the rest of the world. Sociologists and journalists traveled to Australia to see if the worst fears of the critics of suffrage would be realised.

In 1902, Vida Goldstein was invited to meet President Theodore Roosevelt—the first Australian to ever meet a U.S. president in the White House. With more political rights than any American woman, Goldstein was a fascinating visitor. In fact, President Roosevelt told Goldstein: “I’ve got my eye on you down in Australia.” 3

Goldstein embarked on many other journeys around the world in the name of suffrage, and ran five times for Parliament, emphasising “the necessity of women putting women into Parliament to secure the reforms they required.” 4

Muriel Matters went on to join the suffrage movement in the United Kingdom. In 1908 she became the first woman to speak in the British House of Commons in London—not by invitation, but by chaining herself to the grille that obscured women’s views of proceedings in the Houses of Parliament. After effectively cutting her off the grille, she was dragged out of the gallery by force, still shouting and advocating for votes for women. The U.K. finally adopted women’s suffrage in 1928.

These Australian women, and the many more who tirelessly fought for women’s rights, are still extraordinary by today’s standards, but were all the more remarkable for leading the rest of the world.

A shared history of exclusion

Of course, no history of women’s suffrage is complete without acknowledging those who were excluded. These early movements for gender equality were overwhelmingly the remit of privileged white women. Racially discriminatory exclusivity during the early days of suffrage is a legacy Australia shares with the United States.

South Australian Aboriginal women were given the right to vote under the colonial laws of 1894, but they were often not informed of this right or supported to enroll—and sometimes were actively discouraged from participating.

They were later further discriminated against by direct legal bar by the 1902 Commonwealth Franchise Act, whereby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were excluded from voting in federal elections—a right not given until 1962.

Any celebration of women’s suffrage must acknowledge such past injustices front and center. Australia is not alone in the world in grappling with a history of discrimination and exclusion.

The best historical celebrations do not present a triumphalist version of the past or convey a sense that the fight for equality is finished. By reflecting on our full history, these celebrations allow us to come together, find new energy, and be inspired to take the cause forward in a more inclusive way.

The way forward

In the century or more since winning women’s franchise around the world, we have made great strides toward gender equality for women in parliamentary politics. Targets and quotas are working. In Australia, we already have evidence that affirmative action targets change the diversity of governments. Since the Australian Labor Party (ALP) passed its first affirmative action resolution in 1994, the party has seen the number of women in its national parliamentary team skyrocket from around 14% to 50% in recent years.

Instead of trying to “fix” women—whether by training or otherwise—the ALP worked on fixing the structures that prevent women getting preselected, elected, and having fair opportunities to be leaders.

There is also clear evidence of the benefits of having more women in leadership roles. A recent report from Westminster Foundation for Democracy and the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL) at King’s College London, shows that where women are able to exercise political leadership, it benefits not just women and girls, but the whole of society.

But even though we know how to get more women into parliament and the positive difference they make, progress toward equality is far too slow. The World Economic Forum tells us that if we keep progressing as we are, the global political empowerment gender gap—measuring the presence of women across Parliament, ministries, and heads of states across the world— will only close in another 95 years . This is simply too long to wait and, unfortunately, not all barriers are diminishing. The level of abuse and threatening language leveled at high-profile women in the public domain and on social media is a more recent but now ubiquitous problem, which is both alarming and unacceptable.

Across the world, we must dismantle the continuing legal and social barriers that prevent women fully participating in economic, political, and community life.

Education continues to be one such barrier in many nations. Nearly two-thirds of the world’s illiterate adults are women. With COVID-19-related school closures happening in developing countries, there is a real risk that progress on girls’ education is lost. When Ebola hit, the evidence shows that the most marginalized girls never made it back to school and rates of child marriage, teen pregnancy. and child labor soared. The Global Partnership for Education, which I chair, is currently hard at work trying to ensure that this history does not repeat.

Ensuring educational equality is a necessary but not sufficient condition for gender equality. In order to change the landscape to remove the barriers that prevent women coming through for leadership—and having their leadership fairly evaluated rather than through the prism of gender—we need a radical shift in structures and away from stereotypes. Good intentions will not be enough to achieve the profound wave of change required. We need hard-headed empirical research about what works. In my life and writings post-politics and through my work at the GIWL, sharing and generating this evidence is front and center of the work I do now.

GIWL work, undertaken in partnership with IPSOS Mori, demonstrates that the public knows more needs to be done. For example, this global polling shows the community thinks it is harder for women to get ahead. Specifically, they say men are less likely than women to need intelligence and hard work to get ahead in their careers.

Other research demonstrates that the myth of the “ideal worker,” one who works excessive hours, is damaging for women’s careers. We also know from research that even in families where each adult works full time, domestic and caring labor is disproportionately done by women. 5

In order to change the landscape to remove the barriers that prevent women coming through for leadership—and having their leadership fairly evaluated rather than through the prism of gender—we need a radical shift in structures and away from stereotypes.

Other more subtle barriers, like unconscious bias and cultural stereotypes, continue to hold women back. We need to start implementing policies that prevent people from being marginalized and stop interpreting overconfidence or charisma as indicative of leadership potential. The evidence shows that it is possible for organizations to adjust their definitions and methods of identifying merit so they can spot, measure, understand, and support different leadership styles.

Taking the lessons learned from our shared history and the lives of the extraordinary women across the world, we know evidence needs to be combined with activism to truly move forward toward a fairer world. We are in a battle for both hearts and minds.

Why this year matters

We are also at an inflection point. Will 2020 will be remembered as the year that a global recession disproportionately destroyed women’s jobs, while women who form the majority of the workforce in health care and social services were at risk of contracting the coronavirus? Will it be remembered as a time of escalating domestic violence and corporations cutting back on their investments in diversity programs?

Or is there a more positive vision of the future that we can seize through concerted advocacy and action? A future where societies re-evaluate which work truly matters and determine to better reward carers. A time when men and women forced into lockdowns re-negotiated how they approach the division of domestic labor. Will the pandemic be viewed as the crisis that, through forcing new ways of virtual working, ultimately led to more balance between employment and family life, and career advancement based on merit and outcomes, not presentism and the old boys’ network?

This history is not yet written. We still have an opportunity to make it happen. Surely the women who led the way 100 years ago can inspire us to seize this moment and create that better, more gender equal future.

• December 7,1894: Welcome home meeting for Catherine Helen Spence at the Café de Paris. [ Register , Dec, 19, 1894 ]
• Clare Wright, You Daughters of Freedom: The Australians Who Won the Vote and Inspired the World , (Text Publishing, 2018).
• Janette M. Bomford, That Dangerous and Persuasive Woman, (Melbourne University Press, 1993)
• Cordelia Fine, Delusions of Gender: The Real Science Behind Sex Differences, (Icon Books, 2010)

This piece is part of 19A: The Brookings Gender Equality Series.  Learn more about the series and read published work »

About the Author

Julia gillard, distinguished fellow – global economy and development, center for universal education.

Gillard is a distinguished fellow with the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. She is the Inaugural Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London. Gillard also serves as Chair of the Global Partnership for Education, which is dedicated to expanding access to quality education worldwide and is patron of CAMFED, the Campaign for Female Education.

Read full bio

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• A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

by Mary Wollstonecraft

A vindication of the rights of woman essay questions.

What are Wollstonecraft's views on education?

Wollstonecraft does not favor private boarding schools or complete home-schooling but a mixed system. Children need to be around their peers to develop social skills but should not be sheltered in a residential school because they will grow slovenly, lazy, and cunning. The country day-school is a good model (children live at home but attend school for most of the day). Boys and girls should be educated together, which will improve both sexes and lead to happier marriages and, most of all, bring women’s socialization out of the state of learned oppression. When children are very young, they should all be together, rich and poor. They should be dressed alike and have plenty of time to exercise outside. They should learn traditional subjects. When they reach about age nine, they should be separated by social class, with the lower classes studying trades, but boys and girls should remain together. More democratic schools would include parental involvement and children judging their peers for misbehavior.

How is this work a response to the writings of Edmund Burke?

Burke and Wollstonecraft are similar insofar as they are both classical liberals. Burke wrote one of the most famous intellectual attacks on the French Revolution, attacking it as an illegitimate revolt against a legitimate government (unlike in America, where the revolution was a legitimate revolt against an illegitimate government). Burke’s writings argued that rights are based on traditions rather than made up out of theories. Wollstonecraft disagreed on this point, responding with A Vindication of the Rights of Man and then A Vindication of the Rights of Woman . She criticized what she saw as the arbitrary, traditional foundation of male power over women and called for greater fairness based on reason and a theory of gender equality.

How does Wollstonecraft subvert traditional gender norms in the style of her writing?

Wollstonecraft adopts a masculine voice in her writing; simply taking on male philosophers as an equal was daring. Her rhetorical style is modeled after other writers she was familiar with, arguing that she would appeal to reason rather than appeal directly to emotion through flowery writing. Scholar Christine M. Skolnik writes that when she critiques female manners she distances herself from her "feminine identity and audience and presents herself chiefly as a man speaking to men," which makes it easier to understand how she can be so vicious in her critiques of women's foibles and flaws.

How are men responsible for women's low social and moral status, according to Wollstonecraft?

Men do not allow women access to education, thus depriving them of the ability to acquire knowledge, exercise their reason, learn the proper form of modesty and chastity, and perfect their virtue. Since their education is fragmentary and limited, they do not study much of substance, and when they do, it is hardly necessary because they will not be able to utilize it later except to pass it along to their children. Men want women to be silly, meek, beautiful, elegant, charming, and coquettish, and women learn to take on those characteristics. This is problematic because once they marry, women are supposed to be wives and mothers and no longer engage in passionate courtship. Women are not allowed to participate in politics at all. Men expect women to be chaste but then act improperly toward them, placing the burden of morality upon a woman's weaker shoulders. Men force women into this subordinate position and keep them inferior, but then exercise contempt for them.

How are women are responsible for their own denigrated status in Wollstonecraft’s time?

The entire social structure conspires to keep women subordinate, but women do themselves no favors. They indulge in silliness, such as visiting fortunetellers, mediums, and healers who pretend to be able to cure ailments. They read insipid, absurd novelists and mimic their styles and sentiments. They treat their children like demigods or ignore them and leave their care to servants, or else turn into mini-tyrants over their households. They turn toward rakes and libertines in the desire to inflame their emotions. They do not like when their relationships with their husbands lack the passion they were used to in courtship; sometimes they will enter into love affairs or ignore their husbands. They engage in rivalries with their companions. They tyrannize over their family members and servants. They dissimulate and lie and tend toward cunning. They are immodest with other women and do not cultivate the modesty that is necessary. They perhaps can be excused for believing that their weaknesses are preferred in society, but they remain human and responsible for their own decisions.

What are Wollstonecraft's views on motherhood?

Wollstonecraft has been called the "first feminist," but some of her ideas reinforced traditional motherhood of a sort that later feminists sometimes reject. She did not challenge the assumption that a woman's most important duty was to be a mother; there is not much room in her theories for single women or women who refuse to marry. It is clear that the middle-class women she addresses are supposed to be married and be responsible mothers. The subordination of women resulted in their being poor mothers, she argued and observed, so education reform and a disavowal of the "natural" inferiority of women were crucial for their improvement as mothers. A bad mother will spoil her children because she wants their love and affection, will neglect them entirely while she is devoted to her own frivolous pursuits, or will tyrannize over them out of a desire to regain some control over her own life. By contrast, an educated woman will be a good mother for several reasons: she will inculcate civic virtue and duty; ably instruct them in the areas of study that matter; encourage her daughters and sons to be self-actualized; discipline them effectively and fairly; and demonstrate the type of respectful and harmonious marriage they should desire to emulate.

What are Wollstonecraft's views on social class?

Middle-class women are the main targets of this work. Even so, Wollstonecraft excoriates the rich for their indolence and complete lack of reason or contribution to society. Their power is based on arbitrary foundations (parallel to men’s power over women), and rich women in particular are useless. Working-class women are mentioned occasionally, but their problems occur more on the level of subsistence. It is unlikely that working-class women have time to indulge their silliness and sentiments when they are toiling for long hours, nor do they have the time and resources to devote to their looks and trying to be pleasing to men. Middle-class women who incorrectly seek pleasure or passion are the ones whom this book can reach.

What are the issues regarding modesty and chastity addressed in the text?

Modesty is exalted as a chastity that springs from purity of mind, not a heightened feeling of vanity or presumption concerning one's character. Purity of mind is a moderate state of great refinement and honest discernment of one’s abilities; it is nobler than innocence and false pride. In order to be modest and chaste a woman must get away from "sensibility," that silliness and frivolity that women cultivate. Men should also learn modesty and not expect women to bear the brunt of it on their weaker shoulders. Passions should be checked by reason and rationality in order for modesty to prevail. Girls should not develop immodest habits with other girls, such as dressing in front of others. They should be more private so their relationships with men will be equally modest. Finally, women should not try to be chaste only in order to preserve their reputation, for it is unlikely that true modesty can result from an inordinate obsession with trying to appear proper on that score alone.

Does Wollstonecraft identify an ideal situation for a woman?

In the ideal situation she would be happily married with children in a friendly partnership with her husband, not completely financially dependent, thoroughly educated, and generally virtuous. Women in their girlhood would be educated with both sexes in a public school and learn to strengthen their minds and their bodies. They would learn the same things boys are learning, although they would also learn some of the feminine arts. They may decide to enter a profession and begin to achieve a degree of financial independence. Through their continued association, both sexes would improve each other and happier early marriages may result. She would be an intelligent and fair mother, and her children would model their behavior after hers. She would be involved in the public sphere to an extent and would have representation, but would not need to become fully versed in politics and have the vote. Thus, the ideal situation for a woman is rational education, an equal marriage and reasonable child-rearing, and greater participation in the public sphere. This seems most likely among middle-class women, since life is too easy for the upper class and too difficult for the lower class.

What does this book say about sexuality?

Wollstonecraft challenges the prevailing assumption that women are essentially sexual rather than rational beings; she claims instead that it is men who are more often ruled by their passions and appetites. She attacks Rousseau in particular for sneering that women are ruled by "voluptuous reveries," countering with the fact that men cover up their own immoral desires and behavior by asserting that women are deviant sexual beings. Male desire is a large contributor to the oppression women face. Yet, since women seek male attraction, they perpetuate this problem. Women do, of course, have sexual appetites of their own, and they must be properly moderated in the light of reason, modesty, and chastity. These appetites might be even more voracious than men's; Wollstonecraft is quite vitriolic about the immodesty of girls in boarding schools.

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for A Vindication of the Rights of Woman is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What roles does Wollstonecraft see for relgion in the education of women?

Wollstonecraft understood that Religion was the powerful source in society. To that end, she had to prove that it was God's will that women receive and education and be allowed to flourish. She also argued that God, in his infinite wisdom, would...

What did Wollstonecraft mean by 'masculine women'in A Vindication of the Rights of Woman?

Check this out:

https://www.tutorhunt.com/resource/194/

hat two types of "masculine women" does Wollstonecraft acknowledge

From what I can understand, Wollstonecraft questions the definition of masculine,

"I am aware of an obvious inference. From every quarter have I heard

exclamations against masculine women, but where are they to be

found? If by this appellation...

Study Guide for A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman study guide contains a biography of Mary Wollstonecraft, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

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Essays for A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft.

• Men as Mary Wollstonecraft's Ideal People
• Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf(stonecraft)?
• Wollstonecraft, Barbauld, and the Proto-Feminists
• Nature versus Nurture in Mary Wollstonecraft

E-Text of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman e-text contains the full text of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft.

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• Introduction

A demonstrator raises a sign that says, "Human rights are women's rights" at the Women's March in Los Angeles in 2018. Though the concept had long been controversial, the United Nations declared that women's rights are human rights in 1995 at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing.

• HISTORY & CULTURE

'Women's Rights are Human Rights,' 25 years on

Hillary Rodham Clinton’s speech at a UN conference propelled this idea into the mainstream after centuries of society sidelining gender equality as “women’s issues.”

When Hillary Rodham Clinton approached the podium at a United Nations conference on women in September 1995 in Beijing, she faced an uncertain audience. Only a few people had read the speech, which was a well-guarded secret even to high-ranking members of the president’s cabinet. “Nobody knew what to expect,” recalls Melanne Verveer , the then first lady’s chief of staff, who later served as the first U.S. Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues when Clinton became secretary of state.

Twenty-five years later, a single phrase from Clinton’s speech has entered mainstream parlance: “Women’s rights are human rights.” The concept wasn’t new. But the excitement and energy that Clinton’s speech generated at the Fourth World Conference on Women helped elevate the idea to one that fuels modern feminism and international efforts to achieve gender parity.

Women’s rights advocates have long argued that gender equality should be a human right—but were thwarted for years by those who claimed their rights were subordinate to those of men. During the infancy of the American feminist movement of the 1830s, abolitionists and women’s rights advocates tussled over whether it was more important to seek freedom for enslaved people or equality for women. As women pushed for their rights to vote, access educational opportunities, and own property, male abolitionists like Theodore Weld urged them to wait, arguing that they should first fight for the abolition of slavery as a matter of human rights.

Some women, such as educator Catharine Beecher , argued that women deserved rights because of their morality—as they were uniquely positioned to edify and enlighten men—not their humanity. She cautioned that their roles in public life should not extend into equality in the home. In response, abolitionist and women’s rights advocate Angelina Grimké wrote , “I recognize no rights but human rights,” noting that a society that didn’t give women power or a political voice violated their innate human rights. She was just one of a group of women who invoked the idea throughout the 19 th century. (Grimké later went on to marry Weld, who was her mentor.)

In the 1970s, the idea resurfaced as so-called second-wave feminists, who believed women should have access to full societal and legal rights, attempted to put women’s rights on the international agenda. In many countries, there was no consensus that women had a right to equal partnership in marriage, power over their finances, an equal education, or a life free of sexual assault or harassment. Between 1975 and 1995, the United Nations convened four landmark Conferences on Women that made gender parity a global priority. ( Here are the best and worst countries to be a woman. )

The first conference, held in Mexico City in 1975, recognized women’s equality. Eighty-nine of the 133 nations that participated adopted a framework to help women gain equal access to all facets of society; several western nations abstained , and the United States opposed the framework. In 1980, a follow-up conference in Copenhagen called for stronger protections for women, with an emphasis on property ownership, child custody, and a restructuring of inheritance laws. A third in Nairobi in 1985 called attention to violence against women. But though these conferences brought women’s issues to the international stage, each one fell short because of a lack of consensus and failure to implement the adopted platforms. By 1995, global women’s leaders had agreed it was time to create an action plan to guarantee equality for women.

Slated for Beijing in September 1995, the Fourth World Conference on Women took place in an atmosphere of intense international condemnation of the host nation’s treatment of its own citizens. Human rights groups and governments criticized China’s history of political imprisonment, torture, detention, and denial of religious freedom. The nation’s one-child policy , which put family planning decisions under state control, came under particular fire.

Women watch Hillary Rodham Clinton speak to the abuse against women at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. Her call for women's rights to be considered human rights has since become mainstream.

News that Clinton would attend and speak at the meeting prompted an American outcry. “There were serious efforts not to make [the speech] happen,” Verveer recalls. “You had a cacophony of voices that were trying to keep this from being meaningful or successful.” The first lady faced outrage from human rights advocates who objected to the China visit on principle, conservative politicians who disapproved of her outspoken feminism, and people who worried the speech could threaten the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and China.

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“I wanted to push the envelope as far as I could for girls and women,” Clinton said in a virtual public event hosted on September 10 by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security , of which Verveer is the executive director. ( A century after women’s suffrage in the U.S., the fight for equality isn’t over. )

On September 5, 1995, the second day of the conference, Clinton took the podium in front of representatives from all over the world. As Clinton spoke, Verveer watched the delegates’ faces closely. The speech cited a “litany of violations against women,” including rape, female genital mutilation, dowry burnings, and domestic violence—which Clinton labeled as human rights violations. She excoriated those who forcibly sterilized women and condemned those who restricted civil liberties, a jab at China, which restricted news coverage of the event.

The room was “filled with women who were in the trenches of those issues,” says Verveer. “The audience was completely pulled into their struggle.” The mostly female delegation applauded and cheered during the 20-minute speech, sometimes even pounding their fists on the tables to underscore their approval.

“The reaction was extraordinary,” Verveer says. On September 15, the phrase “women’s rights are human rights” was unanimously adopted as part of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action , which defined 12 areas—including education, health, economic participation, and the environment—in need of urgent international action. The document still governs the global agenda for women’s issues and is credited with helping narrow the education gap, improve maternal health, and reduce violence against women. ( Around the world, women are taking charge of their futures. )

Fourth World Conference on Women participants (from left) Benedita Da Silva of Brazil, Vuyiswa Bongile Keyi of Canada, and Silvia Salley of the United States cheer at the conclusion of the "Women of Color" press briefing where they stated that racism was not adequately addressed in the declaration.

Today, the idea that human rights and women’s rights are synonymous is considered mainstream. “I have rarely seen a single message carry such [an] important meaning and have such a durable life,” former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said at the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security event commemorating the anniversary.

But the work of gender equality is not yet done—and 25 years after Beijing, women still face systemic inequities and gaps in terms of safety, economic and political mobility, and more. “Girls need to know that they stand on the shoulders of other people who struggled to gain the rights they enjoy today,” says Verveer. “They need to play a role in ensuring the work goes on. There has been progress, but there is a long journey ahead.”

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Women’s rights essay

The issue regarding women’s rights is not a new one. In the past, there were distinctive differences between men and women, between their roles in society and their models of behavior. However, considerable changes have been found since those times. Today gender roles have been shifted, making strong impact on society. Women in the Western culture are now no more satisfied with the role of a homemaker; they prefer to make their own careers and share the same rights with men (Howie, 2010).  This fact means women’s rights are based on freedom that can be viewed as a virtue, but not as a burden. Women continue to fight for their rights. The emergence of feminist movements and ideologies united under the title of feminism (Gillis & Hollows, 2008). Today, there is a continuous discourse on the behalf of both opponents and proponents of feminism, but the main thing is to understand the very roots and reasons of the phenomenon (Gillis et al., 2007). Therefore, the major goal of this study is to find out the objective state of the problem and conclude whether women do win by acquiring the equal status with men in human society. For that end, the existing literature covering different perspectives will be analyzed. In particular, the study will be focused on proto-feminist movements in Europe of the 19-the century; passing the Representation of the People Act in 1918; demonstrations on women’s suffrage; women’s efforts during the First World War and the Second World War; the first wave, the second wave and the third wave feminism on the whole. The research is expected to prove that although social reconstruction of sex and gender is not always beneficial neither for women nor for men, the struggle for equal opportunities has become a historically determined stage of social development. These events reflect the changes in feminist movements and help to better understand the successes and failures of women in fighting for their rights. The impact of each event or development that will be discussed in this paper is connected with the changing role of women and with their changing opportunities in achievement of the established goals. Thesis statement: Women’s role in the struggle for equal opportunities highlights the positive effects of feminism on the social reconstruction of sex and gender that was caused by a number of important historical events and developments, such as the development of proto-feminist movements in Europe of the 19-the century; passing the Representation of the People Act in 1918; demonstrations on women’s suffrage; women’s efforts during the First World War and the Second World War; the development of the first wave, the second wave and the third wave feminism.

The major goal of this paper is to review the historical events and developments which involve women from 1865 to the present. This paper will explore six specific events or developments that span the years covered by this course, based on their impact on the topic “women’s role in history”.  The research is focused on the analysis of both European Women’s rights and the women’s rights movements launched in the U.S, defined as the first wave, the second wave and the third wave feminism.

Proto-feminist movements in Europe of the 19-the century

The development of proto-feminist movements in Europe of the 19-the century played an important role in the promotion of the philosophy of feminism. Women were inspired by proto-feminist concerns that women should be equal to men. Proto-feminist movements contributed to women’s achievements in different spheres of human activity. Actually, in the 19-th century, women’s condition under the law differed from that of men. In economics and politics, women had no power. However, women’s consciousness was more progressive compared with that of women who lived earlier than the 19-tyh century (Worell, 2000). In other words, the development of proto-feminist movements is connected with the development of feminist consciousness focused on the expansion of women’s rights and development of women’s rights movements. The Female Moral Reform Society is an example of effective proto-feminist movement aimed at representation women in a powerful position, placing emphasis on the public advocacy of personal ethics (Gillis & Hollows, 2008; Worell, 2000).

Passing the Representation of the People Act in 1918

The Representation of the People Act (1918) criticized the limited rights of women and continued to call for equal rights. This act provided an opportunity to establish fair relationships between men and women, promoting the idea of equal pay for equal work. New reforms of the 1900s contributed to the growth of feminism. According to the Representation of the People Act of 1918, all women included in the local governmental register, aged 30 and over, were enfranchised (Gillis & Hollows, 2008; Worell, 2000). The right to vote was granted to women who were householders, the householders’ wives, and who occupied the property with an annual rent of L5 and more, and who were the graduates of British universities (Gillis & Hollows, 2008).

Moreover, the debate regarding the passage of the Representation of the People Act raised the issues about the effects of the law, but it failed to change the established culture of parliamentary politics. Many women politicians did not criticize male-dominated political parties, remaining loyal to men’s power (Early video on the emancipation of women, 1930). In the 1900s, men remained in the positions of power, although the political movement regarding women’s suffrage in the U.K. began before the WWI (Worell, 2000).

 Demonstrations on women’s suffrage

            Many demonstrations were organized to address women’s suffrage rights. The first demonstration was the parade organized by Blatch in New York in 1910. Harriot Stanton Blatch was one of activists who promoted the idea of bringing a new suffrage bill, which could become the first step to women’s voting rights. In 1907, she established the Equality League of Self-Supporting Women. In 1913, the suffrage match was held in Washington D.C. More than 5000 women activist took part in this match, hoping to win public support for suffrage. In 1916, the Women’s Political Union organized many demonstrations on women’s suffrage. In the U.S., President Wilson agreed to support the idea of women’s suffrage in 1918 after numerous protests organized by feminists. As a result, women’s rights activists were aimed at equality in all spheres of human activity based on women’s suffrage. In 1919, the Nineteenth Amendment was passed by the U.S. Congress (Howie, 2010; Worell, 2000).

 Women’s efforts during the First World War

            Women’s role during the First World War reflected their social and economic position. Feminists were not satisfied with the idea that women’s work was classified as less important than men’s work. Besides, the working class women who were the representatives of the first wave feminism promoted the ideas of feminism at work and in homes, in stores, halls and local newspapers. They believed in their rights and were focused on the promotion of collective actions aimed at realization of their agenda. However, men opposed women’s involvement into male jobs during the First World War. Male trade unions defended the division of labor based on gender (Gillis & Hollows, 2008).

            Finally, women’s activism in the era of the First World War, the considerable increases in the cost of living in that period, as well as the recognition of the established trade unions and the passage of the constitutional amendment to support women’s suffrage contributed to women’s mobilization during the war. According to Howie (2010), patriotic women highlighted the importance of the ideas of feminism. Due to the diversity of experiences during that period, women could become more independent in their choices. Although many women realized that their rights were limited, they supported feminism and motivated others to join wartime mobilization (Howie, 2010).

Women’s efforts during the Second World War

            Women’s efforts during the Second World War were focused on more radical changes. Unlike in the First World War, during the Second World War women’s position was more stable. The governments allowed women to join the armed forces and be involved in the war-related production.  All women aged under 40 years old were divided into two categories: mobile and immobile. Mobile women were allowed to join army and carry out war work duties. Immobile women were responsible for caring children and elderly people. Many of them were involved in voluntary work, either in industry or in voluntary organizations (Howie, 2010).  Women were allowed to work 16 hours a day and perform men’s duties. However, women were paid less than men. Besides, they were discriminated in the workplace. Thus, women played an important role in the war effort, although their position in society was still less valuable, comparing with men’s position (Howie, 2010; Gillis & Hollows, 2008).

 The first wave, the second wave and the third wave feminism

            As the American women’s movement is characterizes as “waves”, there is a necessity to refer to three waves of feminism and identify certain differences between them. Actually, the development of the first wave, the second wave and the third wave feminism highlight the importance of women’s involvement in social reconstruction of sex and gender (Howie, 2010). Although these waves are closely connected with one another, there are some differences in their philosophies. It has been found that each wave of feminism is based on the successes and failures of previous generations of women. For example, the first wave feminism is reflected by the following successes: suffrage and voting rights. These developments occurred in the late 1800s- the early 1900s, influencing further changes in women’s representation (MacKinnon, 1995).

            In addition, the second wave feminism, which was launched in the 1960s, placed emphasis on the role of personal politics in human society. The banner of the second wave feminism was “the personal is political”. Actually, it was based on women’s rights, such as abortion rights, child care rights, as well as other issues, including women’s recognition of unpaid labor, access to health care services and equal pay for equal work. Catharine MacKinnon, the Professor of Law at the University of Michigan and the author of the book Toward a Feminist Theory of the State, argues that women’s rights are still limited and there is a necessity for broader horizons for women. A variety of issues of concern remain unsolved. Women continue to fight for their rights (MacKinnon, 1995). According to Hollows, and Moseley (2006), there is a close relationship between the second wave feminism and popular culture, but feminism cannot be viewed as a “monolithic and homogeneous movement” (p. 3).

            Moreover, the first wave and the second wave feminism created certain challenges, such as the concerns about racism and discrimination, tensions between generations, etc. These concerns can be found in the next wave of feminism – the third wave feminism, which was launched in the 1990s (MacKinnon, 1995). The third wave feminism is based on criticism of collective past of women’s movement and building more diverse and dynamic movement. In other word it is characterized by the increased role of multiculturalism (MacKinnon, 1995). Alice Walker (1983) helps to assess the role of virtues, beliefs and values in the creation of a womanist virtue ethic, which forms the basis of third wave feminism. She states that social activism helps in promotion of feminist ideas and addresses the challenges caused by diverse society.

            Thus, it is necessary to conclude that women have always played an important role in the development of history.  This paper is based on providing evidence regarding the effects of social reconstruction of sex and gender on women and their participation in the struggle for equal opportunities, which has become a historically determined stage of social development. The history that involves women has been developed over centuries, constantly changing its goals and forms, increasing the popularity of women’s movement, mainly in the 20-th century, when suffrage and voting rights were popularized. The role of women in the 19-th century differed from their roles in the 20-th century. The events that occurred in the 1900s contributed to the developments in the later decades. For example, proto-feminist movements in Europe of the 19-the century contributed to the development of more independent views on women’s rights and duties. The third wave feminism completely changes women’s views on their role in social development through the relationship between feminist movement and popular culture. Generally speaking, women’s role in the struggle for equal opportunities throughput the history emphasizes the positive effects of feminist ideas on the social reconstruction of sex and gender that was caused by a number of important historical developments, including the development of proto-feminist movements in Europe of the 19-the century; passing the Representation of the People Act in 1918; demonstrations on women’s suffrage; women’s efforts during the First World War and the Second World War; the development of the first wave, the second wave and the third wave feminism.

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Eight ways you can be a women’s rights advocate today, and every day

Date: Wednesday, 30 May 2018

Right now women and men around the world are part of an unprecedented movement for women’s rights, equality and justice. From global marches to social media campaigns like #MeToo, women are raising their voices in unison, calling out sexual harassment, organizing for unequal pay and women’s political representation.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, 8 March, is “Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives”. Join us to celebrate women’s rights activists everywhere, embrace your inner activist and empower the women in your life.

The #TimeisNow.

1) Raise your voice

Whether you’re talking to your friends and family, or engaging with an advocacy organization, the most important way to be an advocate is speaking up. By raising your voice for women’s rights and gender equality, you can spread awareness and break down barriers.

Jaha Dukureh, an activist and UN Women’s newest Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Africa, is leading the movement to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. Jaha first started speaking out against child marriage when she was barely 10, when she snuck out to the local television station to talk about how girls in her community should not be forced to marry.

FGM is a cultural practice that involves cutting off parts of female genitalia, condemning girls and women to a lifetime of health consequences. In many parts of the world, it’s also a prelude to child marriage.

“It wasn’t until I was pregnant with my daughter, that I started to speak out against FGM. I didn’t want my daughter to ever have to go through what I had. I also knew there were millions of girls out there, just like me and my daughter, and no one was speaking for them. If it wasn’t going to me, who else would do that?” Jaha says. “I started to speak out, I started to shout.”

Read the full story ►

2) Support one another

Every day since 2015, Ayah al-Wakil, a lawyer working at the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) in Gaza Strip, has gone to court to file cases on behalf of survivors of violence.

Ayah participated in a training with the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, supported by a UN Women/UNDP joint programme, to defend women’s rights at the Shari’a court, which deals with family matters codified in the Personal Status Law relating to marriage, divorce, child custody and inheritance. After her training, Ayah chose to remain at the Centre to continue working with survivors of violence.

“If you find yourself in a place that allows you to make a real difference in other women’s lives, obstacles will not stop you anymore,” says Ayah. “I became determined to improve women’s lives in my hometown and started to look for opportunities.”

Supporting women and those that empower women, is essential to achieving gender equality. Whether you’re like Ayah al-Wakil and working with women to navigate the legal system, or supporting women entrepreneurs in your community, you can make a difference.

3) Share the workload

Empowering women can start in your own home.

From cooking and cleaning, to fetching water and firewood or taking care of children and the elderly, women carry out at least two and a half times more unpaid household and care work than men. As a result, they have less time to engage in paid labour, or work longer hours, combining paid and unpaid labour. Women’s unpaid work subsidizes the cost of care that sustains families, supports economies and often fills in for the lack of social services.

It’s time we recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work performed by women that is foundational to all societies. Men, let’s step it up and redistribute this equally! 🙋‍♂️ https://t.co/QbuiuFIQrt #PromisesToAction #GlobalGoals pic.twitter.com/43kn1iivQv — UN Women (@UN_Women) February 19, 2018

Encourage everyone in your life to split all unpaid work 50/50 between men and women so that they can both thrive, rest, work and feel empowered.

4) Get involved

Running in a local election, like Coumba Diaw in Senegal, or supporting candidates who understand women’s unique needs in your community is a critical way to ensure women’s rights.

Despite growing up listening to a rhetoric that restricted women from participating in politics and public life, Coumba knew the importance of women’s leadership, and became the only woman Mayor in the Louga region of Senegal.

“They said that a woman couldn’t run for elections. They said that a widowed woman couldn’t be a Mayor…that a woman did not have the skills to manage a community. I have proved them all wrong,” Coumba says.

As mayor, Coumba works to inspire other women, and brings attention to women’s issues in the community. She worked to free up women’s time through the installation of drinking taps, and set up a weekly market for women vendors.

5) Educate the next generation

Youth activists around the world are stepping it up for gender equality. By empowering young advocates, and educating them about women’s rights, we can ensure a better future for all.

In Kyrgyzstan, Aigul Alybaeva is doing her part to advance women’s rights and gender equality by supporting her daughter’s participation in a school-based programme that works to empower girls, generate inter-generational dialogues and change attitudes about child marriage.

“We try to support her, create an enabling environment at home, so that she gets the time she needs to study, prepare for her assignments,” Aigul says of her relationship with her daughter. “Feminism is in her character. She knows her rights and she shares with me what she learns in school.”

Aigul’s daughter, Aiturgan Djoldoshbekova, has learned about women’s legal rights in her country and wants to pursue a career in law. She also knows the importance of sharing her knowledge with others.

“It is important that girls know their rights. I want us all to be feminists and work together to stop violence against women and girls,” Aiturgan says. “What I learn in school, about rights, I share with my younger brother. He too should know his rights. I tell him that we have to take an absolute stand against violence.”

6) Know your rights

Charo Mina-Rojas is a Colombian activist who works tirelessly to educate grassroots Afro-descendant communities of Colombia on Law 70 of 1993, which recognizes their cultural, territorial and political rights.

Following the historic peace agreement in 2016, which ended the more than 50-year conflict between the Government of Colombia and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Charo advocates for justice and equality for Colombia’s afro-descendent women.

“Afro-descendent women were not at the negotiation table from the beginning, but in the end, we managed to include a specific chapter on the ethnic perspective,” Charo says.

“Do I think that the peace agreement will be implemented? Yes, I trust that it will. But it needs to be implemented in a way that acknowledges the diversity of the Colombian people, and of women, and respect their rights. This means, providing access to land and property that they can use in accordance to their own cultural practices and traditions, and consulting the local communities before infrastructure projects are developed.”

8) Give to the cause

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