06 - Women's Suffrage
The movement was more than a small effort. It took years, women and men advocating together. Wars. Advancement in society. The end of slavery. A different world.
The women’s suffrage movement began long before June 4, 1919. The founding women of the suffrage movement were women politically active through their work in the abolitionist and temperance movements. In July 1848, 240 woman suffragists convened in Seneca Falls, New York to assert the right of women to vote. The Civil War prolonged the advancement of the movement for many years, including the Reconstruction Era where the 15th Amendment was adopted, granting African American men the right to vote. This amendment was deliberately not stretched to include into the sphere of gender.
The National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) began in 1869 by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton to work together toward pushing for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA), led by Lucy Stone, was organized in the same year for state level activism to push the Federal government through the state legislatures. They united in 1890 as the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA).
The earliest state acknowledged women’s right to vote per the AWSA were of the West, including Washington (my home state), in 1910. Becoming states in the late 1890’s, they continued their territorial laws of women’s right to vote. Battles rose through the Supreme Court stating the 14th Amendment included women. Most notable was the case of Minor v. Happersatt, where the court ruled the amendment did not include women. Seeing the need to unite, the two agencies joined into one, the NAWSA to consolidate the message and build on resources.
Segregation occurred throughout the suffrage movements. States of the South had separate marches, excluded from the activities and organizations fitting for their rights.
World War I challenged the role of women in society. They were “patriots, caregivers, and mothers. Women’s expertise in maintaining the home and family would improve politics and society.” (Lange) “We have made partners of the women in this war; shall we admit them only to a partnership of suffering and sacrifice and toil and not to a partnership of privilege and right?” (President Wilson)
Studies indicate the immediate impact following suffrage coincided with growth in gender equality, social spending, and progressive legislation. Spending on health, charity, and social programs rose. Child mortality declined as much as 15%. Children stayed in school, and expenditures rose by 9% for enrollment. Long term outcome for literacy and higher incomes are tied to the development of women in society.
Bringing women to the forefront of decisions and policies have directly impacted our world. Though 100 years of struggles feels a long winded battle, the amount of change of women leaders today is a huge pursuit and success.
Recognizing women and their equity for jobs, acknowledgments, pay, etc. has been debated around me in cases of large profile people fighting for pay equity with male counterparts. Recognition in speaking engagements to ensure a balanced voice and opportunity is happening. Scientists ensuring that publicity for women’s impact in research is recognized to encourage young women entering STEAM. Tech companies shining a light on the huge minority of men versus women in the industry.
I have commonly believed a shift of policy and acknowledgment will occur in my career through the change of leadership as generations transition. My firm of 15 years has emphasized that, though I know more growth is yet to occur. Throughout the country, I feel the need for reform still. I know we are at the precipice. And I am excited to be on the brink with fellow women.
We are here. :)
The women’s suffrage movement began long before June 4, 1919. The founding women of the suffrage movement were women politically active through their work in the abolitionist and temperance movements. In July 1848, 240 woman suffragists convened in Seneca Falls, New York to assert the right of women to vote. The Civil War prolonged the advancement of the movement for many years, including the Reconstruction Era where the 15th Amendment was adopted, granting African American men the right to vote. This amendment was deliberately not stretched to include into the sphere of gender.
The National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) began in 1869 by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton to work together toward pushing for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA), led by Lucy Stone, was organized in the same year for state level activism to push the Federal government through the state legislatures. They united in 1890 as the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA).
The earliest state acknowledged women’s right to vote per the AWSA were of the West, including Washington (my home state), in 1910. Becoming states in the late 1890’s, they continued their territorial laws of women’s right to vote. Battles rose through the Supreme Court stating the 14th Amendment included women. Most notable was the case of Minor v. Happersatt, where the court ruled the amendment did not include women. Seeing the need to unite, the two agencies joined into one, the NAWSA to consolidate the message and build on resources.
Segregation occurred throughout the suffrage movements. States of the South had separate marches, excluded from the activities and organizations fitting for their rights.
World War I challenged the role of women in society. They were “patriots, caregivers, and mothers. Women’s expertise in maintaining the home and family would improve politics and society.” (Lange) “We have made partners of the women in this war; shall we admit them only to a partnership of suffering and sacrifice and toil and not to a partnership of privilege and right?” (President Wilson)
Studies indicate the immediate impact following suffrage coincided with growth in gender equality, social spending, and progressive legislation. Spending on health, charity, and social programs rose. Child mortality declined as much as 15%. Children stayed in school, and expenditures rose by 9% for enrollment. Long term outcome for literacy and higher incomes are tied to the development of women in society.
Bringing women to the forefront of decisions and policies have directly impacted our world. Though 100 years of struggles feels a long winded battle, the amount of change of women leaders today is a huge pursuit and success.
Recognizing women and their equity for jobs, acknowledgments, pay, etc. has been debated around me in cases of large profile people fighting for pay equity with male counterparts. Recognition in speaking engagements to ensure a balanced voice and opportunity is happening. Scientists ensuring that publicity for women’s impact in research is recognized to encourage young women entering STEAM. Tech companies shining a light on the huge minority of men versus women in the industry.
I have commonly believed a shift of policy and acknowledgment will occur in my career through the change of leadership as generations transition. My firm of 15 years has emphasized that, though I know more growth is yet to occur. Throughout the country, I feel the need for reform still. I know we are at the precipice. And I am excited to be on the brink with fellow women.
We are here. :)
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