Women’s History, Historical Change, and the Status of Women’s Rights in the 2020s

Discussion Forum Post: Women's History, Historical Change, and the Status of Women's Rights in the 2020s
Reflecting on the history of women in the United States, it’s clear that women’s roles in society have evolved significantly over the past few centuries, though this progress has been uneven and often contested. From the early days of the suffrage movement to the work of women like "Rosie the Riveter" during World War II, women's history is full of moments of empowerment and resistance to societal norms. However, despite these changes, women's rights today are still facing many challenges. The 2020s are marked by ongoing debates about women’s roles in the workplace, the fight for reproductive rights, and the gender pay gap, among other issues. In my opinion, there is still much to be done, and reflecting on past struggles can provide valuable lessons for the future.

Historical Change and Women’s Rights in the 2020s
Looking back at women’s history in the U.S., the story of change is both inspiring and sobering. For example, during the early 20th century, women’s suffrage movements fought long and hard for the right to vote, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. This was a monumental shift in American history, but it also reveals how long it took for women to be granted even basic political rights. Later, during World War II, as seen in the “Rosie the Riveter” posters, women’s roles expanded dramatically. The war effort required millions of women to step into industrial and other labor roles traditionally held by men, and they proved themselves indispensable to the success of the country. Yet, as soon as the war ended, women were expected to return to domesticity and were often pushed back into lower-wage, “feminine” occupations like teaching and nursing.
One important takeaway from the history of women’s rights is that change often comes in waves. In the post-WWII era, there was a push to reinstate the traditional family structure, with women expected to become housewives. But as history has shown, this was not the end of the story. The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of the second-wave feminist movement, which advocated for women’s rights in the workplace, reproductive rights, and the recognition of women as equal citizens. Still, even as women’s legal rights expanded, societal expectations and workplace inequalities persisted. As late as the 2020s, we still see gender disparities in wages, the lack of affordable childcare, and a lack of women in positions of power and leadership.
The current status of women’s rights in the 2020s, therefore, is a combination of progress and stagnation. On one hand, women have achieved political representation, legal rights, and workplace equality to a greater extent than ever before. For example, in the last few years, we’ve seen more women running for political office and being elected to Congress. Women’s participation in the workforce is higher than ever, and policies such as Title IX have helped to ensure that women are able to pursue careers in fields previously closed to them. However, on the other hand, the wage gap persists, and many women continue to struggle with the “second shift” of unpaid labor at home, especially working mothers. The fight for reproductive rights has been thrown into question with the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, highlighting how fragile the gains women have made can be.

What Needs Changing?

Drawing from the historical examples we’ve studied, it’s clear that significant changes are still needed to achieve true gender equality in the U.S. First and foremost, the issue of affordable childcare must be addressed. The lack of support for working mothers has been a persistent issue throughout history, from the early 20th century to today. In the 1950s, many women were expected to stay at home and care for children, but as labor forces changed, women were forced to juggle both work and family without adequate support systems. Today, even as women increasingly participate in the workforce, many still face impossible choices between caring for their children and keeping a job. Affordable, accessible childcare is critical to ensuring that women can fully participate in the workforce without sacrificing their personal lives.
Another area in need of change is the persistent gender pay gap. Despite women’s significant contributions to the economy, women on average continue to earn less than men for the same work. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women earn about 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. This discrepancy is even greater for women of color, with Black women earning 63 cents and Latina women earning just 55 cents for every dollar earned by white men. This disparity is not only unjust but also a reflection of ongoing structural sexism in the workplace. While more women are entering professional fields and leadership positions, women are still underrepresented in positions of power, especially in fields like technology, engineering, and politics. This is an area where systemic change is needed, with more focus on mentorship, gender equity in hiring, and policies that support women’s advancement in the workplace.

Lessons from the Past and What We Can Do Today

From the women’s suffrage movement to the feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s, one lesson stands out: solidarity and collective action have been key to advancing women’s rights. The early suffragists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton showed that organizing, marching, and advocating for change could alter the course of history. Similarly, the women who worked in factories during WWII demonstrated the power of women’s labor and helped shift societal views on women’s capabilities.
In the 2020s, this lesson still holds true. Women today, especially in the wake of setbacks like Roe v. Wade, need to continue organizing, mobilizing, and advocating for policy changes. The feminist movements of the past were built on collective action, and in today's digital age, social media provides an unprecedented platform for women to organize and raise their voices.

A List of Concerns, Demands, and Activism

If I were to make a list of demands for change, it would include:

Affordable Childcare

Implement nationwide policies to provide affordable, high-quality childcare so that working mothers can fully participate in the workforce without sacrificing their children’s care.

Equal Pay for Equal Work

Enforce stronger equal pay laws and implement measures to close the gender wage gap, with a focus on racial equity.

Reproductive Rights

Protect and expand access to reproductive health care, including abortion, contraceptives, and maternal health services, regardless of state laws.

Increased Representation of Women in Leadership Roles

Promote policies that encourage gender diversity in leadership roles, including quotas or incentives for companies to hire more women in top positions.

Gender Equity in the Workplace

Support policies that promote paid family leave, workplace flexibility, and the end of gender-based discrimination.

Combat Gender-based Violence

Strengthen laws and programs aimed at reducing domestic violence, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence.

Conclusion
Women’s history in the United States shows that, while progress has been made, the struggle for gender equality is far from over. From the suffrage movement to Rosie the Riveter to the feminist movements of the 20th and 21st centuries, the fight for women’s rights has always been a story of resistance and resilience. The 2020s continue to pose challenges, but they also offer opportunities for progress. By reflecting on the lessons of the past and addressing today’s inequities, we can continue to move forward in the fight for women’s rights and gender equality.