How Women’s Rights Changed the United States for the Better Essay Example
Respected individuals in the United States, such as Elizabeth Warren, Condoleezza Rice, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, have played a crucial role in advancing women's rights. Their contributions in areas like the Supreme Court, US Senate, and Secretary of State are remarkable. These influential figures have not only expressed their opinions on women's roles domestically and internationally but also achieved great success. However, without the historical movements for women's suffrage, these accomplished women would face penalties for holding beliefs that many men share. It is imperative for the United States to acknowledge and support women's rights to avoid falling behind other leading global powers.
The Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 marked the beginning of the women's suffrage movement in the United States. This event eventually led to the amendment of the U.S. constitution on August 18, 1920, which officially
...recognized and affirmed women's rights. It took almost a hundred years for the United States to fully acknowledge and appreciate women's perspectives, and if this recognition had happened earlier, it could have been advantageous for the country. As Elizabeth Cady Stanton famously said, "Come, come, my conservative friend, wipe the dew off your spectacles, and see that the world is moving." The world indeed started progressing gradually but surely regarding women's rights within the U.S. constitution. One significant amendment that was ratified is the 19th amendment, which guarantees that no citizen can be denied or restricted from voting based on their gender.
As per the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, Congress is empowered to enact legislation enforcing this amendment. In today's global political arena, women possess voting rights and prospects to assume leadership roles. Angela Merkel, former presiden
of Germany, earned admiration as a formidable and resolute politician who should not be underestimated.
According to The Guardian in 2015, the de-facto leader of Europe within the European Union was considered as the most powerful woman in the world. It is challenging to envision our current situation if women in the U.S were not granted voting rights. Comparing this scenario with Germany's present political climate would be highly embarrassing as it undermines our country's voiceless women, especially considering that we have had a female leader governing an ally and economic rival for a significant period of time. When it comes to leadership, men and women approach problems differently. Judith Sargent Murray, a feminist author, tirelessly advocated for women's rights and societal recognition. In her essay "On the Equality of Sexes," Murray explores how women's imagination enables them to nurture logical reasoning and highlights their unique abilities compared to men. As Murray writes, "I furnish these facts as instances of excellency in our sex...as proof of a creative faculty, of a lively imagination." (Murray, Judith)
According to Murray's work "On the Equality of Sexes" (113-114), she expressed concern that a lack of education would result in a deficiency of intellectual abilities.
Previously, women were frequently restricted to domestic duties and denied the opportunity for advanced learning. Nevertheless, Oberlin College broke this barrier in 1833 by admitting women, granting them access to higher education. It is difficult to fully grasp the potential repercussions for the United States if women had been deprived of such educational opportunities. One striking illustration is Katherine Johnson's vital contribution to NASA's early lunar missions through her development of mathematical equations. Without her exceptional problem-solving
skills, the U.S would have faced a considerable disadvantage in comparison to the Soviets during the space race. Consequently, it was crucial to allow her pursuit of further education and encourage her passion.
The recognition of women's rights has had a positive impact on society. Women are now seen as equals to men in different areas instead of objects. However, inequalities still remain in the workplace, leadership, and sports. Nevertheless, significant efforts have been made to acknowledge the value of women in American society. Although there is more work to be done, the United States is moving towards a fairer society thanks to the brave women who fought for suffrage in past centuries.
