By: Muqadas Jabeen

In 1848, a group of men and women gathered at the Wesleyan Chapel of Seneca Falls, New York, to talk about how women of America were not being treated fairly. It catalyzed the women’s rights movement in the United States.  Today, in honor of its anniversary, we reflect on the struggle of women in history through which we have made it this far. 

This event at Seneca Falls set the stage for the movement of gender equality. From that decisive gathering to today’s ongoing struggle, the journey to women’s rights in America has remained one of the greatest transformations. It was organized by pioneers Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, along with other progressive thinkers. Since that day, we have come a long way. We fought for the right to go to school and seek education. We fought for the right to inherit property, to cast a vote, to do a job, and to make our own choices. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott displayed a special paper called “Declaration of Sentiments.” This paper covered all the problems women were facing in that era. They called for equal rights in society. The rights of women to do everything men can do.

After this significant convention, many strong and influential women of the society stood up and spoke for the rights of women. They gave speeches, gave petitions, and went to every extent they could go. Some of them are Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and Ida B. Wells.

Then, after half a century, women succeeded in getting the right to vote. It was a big milestone. It happened when the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution was passed.

Still, there were many problems, including the distinction between white women and black women. Black women were treated badly. There were still many unfair laws ruling over the country. Despite all these issues, they have the right to go to school. During WW2, when most of the men left their jobs to join the Army, women stepped in. They managed both the household and work efficiently at a time.

In the 1960s and 70s, when the second wave of feminism came, getting equality at work, school, and home became the talk of the town. Books like The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan made people think about how women were expected to be only wives and mothers, with no other goals.

In 1973, the Supreme Court found a women’s right to an abortion was protected by their first amendment right to privacy which is known as Roe v. Wade. Later on, in 2022, it was overturned. Now, every state has its rights regarding abortion.

The fight for women’s rights has been long and hard, but it has also been full of hope and strength. We have made a lot of improvements in each field, whether it is education, work, or legal rights. Technology helps spread the message faster. Every small win has helped build a better future. We need to focus on the notion that women should have the same rights as men. We must keep going, keep speaking up, and keep lifting each other. We have to create a world where everyone is treated equally

and fairly.

A day trip to visit picturesque Seneca Falls is less than a two-hour drive from Buffalo. Visit the home of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.