It seems that we live in a world where you could easily mistake the norm for equality. For example, there are some that believe that the barriers that once held women back have been eradicated- however that is not the case. The obstacles that stand in women's way are disguised as bias gender roles, or negative connotations that limit what women think they can accomplish. 21st century women live better than past women; However if it weren't for the efforts of strong women, women today would not enjoy current freedoms .
For starters, early suffrage activist stood behind the abolition of slavery. Mainly because they understood that ALL humans deserve rights. As well understood that there was no way women were going to vote before all men did- a unite fight pushed for real change in the norm. Such women include Elizabeth Cady Stanton that helped organize the 1848 Seneca Falls convention - where she highlighted women oppression in the " Declaration of Sentiments". There she called for more rights for women where she highlighted the importance of their involvement in their government.
Along with Stanton, Susan B. Anthony was also an early suffragist that demanded equality for woman. She also helped women by forming organizations that advocated for them-- such as the National Woman Suffrage Association. Anthony knew the importance of voting, so in 1872 (38 years before the 19th amendment) she was arrested for casting her vote in the presidential election. She refused to pay the fine attached to the crime as symbolic way of not backing down from this move. Her ability to stand up for what she believed still influences woman today.
Both these woman would not live to see their dream become a reality. However, after their deaths (Stanton 1902, Anthony 1906) , other women understood that if the fire would be put out, the cause would be forgotten or pushed aside. So Alice Paul came in the picture and knew that legislation needed to be passed sooner rather than later. In 1913 she, along with Lucy Burns, formed the Congressional Union for Women's Suffrage which focused on lobbying for Amendment that would give women the right to vote. Her passion led her and her colleagues to form the National Women's Party. Since Wilson refuse to acknowledge women's rights the NWP led protest against the Democratic Party - one , which led to the arrest of these women. She enacted civil disobedience by starting a hunger strike, leading her story to reach national coverage. This eventually forced Wilson to give women the right to vote and signing the 19th amendment.
An interesting fact that most people are not aware of is that there was a woman elected to congress before women gained the right to vote. Jeanette PickeringRankin served in the House of Representative in 1916. There she stated, "I may be the first woman member of congress but I won't be the last". Her accomplishments brought to light that women have the intellectual ability to represent and lead constituents into a brighter future. Her example led for more barriers holding women back to be broken.
Another woman who changed the political realm include Bella Abzug, who is famously said, "A woman's place is in the house- the House of Representatives". During her seven years in the House, she advocated for women's economic liberty. She is most famously known for sponsoring the Equal Credit Act of 1974 that was women the right to consume credit regardless of marital status. This took away women's dependency on men when thinking about their financial security - something that 21st century women take for granted.
Let's not forget Shirley Chisholm, who in 1982 became the first African American woman elected to the House of Representatives. She's known for her support in educational programs, expansion of day care, and overall programs that helped out poor everyday people. She launched her presidential campaign in 1972, but lost the DNC nomination to George McGovern. Imagine how much more socially advanced we would be now if she would have won the White House!
These ladies proved that women were able to fill the same positions that men could, and over all changed the way women are viewed. Through their leadership they were able to expand women's rights and minimize the gap between gender stereotypes. Their fight reminds 21st century women that they have to continue the march and hurdle over every obstacle in their way. Current problems that need strong advocacy include the wage gap, the misrepresentation in government, and the low number of women business leaders. The only way to overcome this by empowering women to break out of their roles. In the words of NJ state Senator Loretta Weinberg, "Be a trouble maker." Don't accept the norm and challenge everything.