Equal Rights for Women and their Contributions

Equal Rights Amendment 

The movement was proposed to amend the United States Constitution so that all citizens can be guaranteed of equal legal rights despite their gender. The proposal was intended to end the legal unfairness between men and women in cases of employment, property ownership, and divorce amongst other issues. The reform was supported by Alice Paul who founded the National Women’s Party. The movement began in 1923 but was introduced to congress decades later in the 1960’s. In 1971 through the Bella Abzug and Betty Friedan, the movement managed to win two-thirds votes in the House of Representatives. Later in 1972, the U.S Senate approved it and sent it to the states. The public had mixed reactions on the issue with most women in support while most men opposed and others had no say (MacKinnon, 2014). 

Black Women in Media 

In the past, black women in the media always played inferior roles or acted as slaves while their counterparts assumed power and superiority over them. In so doing, black women were seen as instruments rather than individuals. In the modern generation, roles have greatly changed since anti-racial campaigns begun. Black women have assumed more superior roles equal to those played by white colleagues. Such changes have helped create value for black women and increase the self-esteem of many young girls of color. 

Equal Pay Act 

It was in 1963 that the Equal Pay Act was signed into law which saw fair wages awarded to individuals despite their sex. Women back then received little compensation for their labor as compared to what men got. But with the new act, women’s living standards improved, they were able to practice their skills openly as well as compete in the job industry. However, even today women find themselves earning less than men. The mentality of masculinity has not yet been quite abolished since most culture believes women should not engage in the corporate world. Women are thought to be home keepers while men are the providers hence the difference in wages. 

Women in U.S Military 

Approximately eleven thousand women served in the U.S military during the Vietnam War. Most of them played volunteer work like clerks, nurses, physicians and intelligence officers sent there by various humanitarian organizations. Although they did not get to go into combat, their involvement helped greatly support soldiers. They offered medical support and motivation to the army at various times ensuring battle was not lost. Their guidance was greatly appreciated by the U.S military. Between 1960 and 1970, women greatly demonstrated against U.S military actions in Vietnam. Students and mothers were the most involved in the movement to stop the war. 

Reference 

MacKinnon, C. A. (2014). Toward a renewed equal rights amendment: Now more than ever. Harv. JL & Gender, 37, 569.