Discussion Board of a News Paper Editorial Article
Abstract
Though Women acquired their right to vote in 1920 it has been an uphill task as they seek equal opportunities as males. Previously women have been considered as meek, respectful and caring wives who were entirely submissive to men around them but in the agrarian culture both men and women had to put in a full time’s work sine farm achievement depended on both.
Industrial development produced changes which affected the women as the industries begun to do many of the things that women did at home previously such as weaving and spinning and were left with extra time to dedicate to other projects. Although clergymen recruited them for various changes women still worked in proper circles to influence the men. In 1800’s ,women were prepared to subdivide out of their families and make a mark to the world leading to the formation of many women associations which were destined to do social work . These organizations “female associations” used to run charity schools and refugee camps for needy women.
Many brave women stood to fight for others whose voices could not be heard and faced males and even collected signatures for a petition seeking equal rights in property ownership, parental and widow rights. Women could now use anesthesia during child birth to reduce pain though highly rejected by clergymen citing the biblical curse that "in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children."
In the 19th century women started giving birth to a fewer number of children and avoided marriage at younger ages and would attend colleges which admitted them irrespective of gender and they further secured employment opportunities.
Significant changes towards women have since taken place and although the woman struggle for equality is not over the society needs to appreciate the woman and treat her in a more respectful manner and not consider her as a slave.
Philip S. Foner, editor, Frederick Douglass on Women’s Rights (Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1976)
Nancy Woloch, Women and the A American Experience. (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1984),
Keith E. Melder, Beginnings of Sisterhood: The American Woman's Rights Movement, 1800-1850 (New York: Schocken Books, 1977),
