Women Who Fought For Gender Equality Throughout History

Women have been fighting for equal rights, equal representation and to be treated like they matter for many centuries. This fight hasn’t been easy, and although we still have a long way to go, we’ve come very far and are working towards equality. So many women fought to break boundaries and norms to help allow the representation women have today.

Below are 5 influential women, out of the many, who have raised their voices and fought for change:

1. The Suffragettes

In the first major cry for feminism, The Suffragettes fought for women's rights, more specifically, the right to vote. Their movements and protests were both peaceful and radical and allowed for the nationwide right for women to vote in 1920. Some of the most notable women in this movement were: Mary Wollstonecraft, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Stone Blackwell, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Emmeline Pankhurst, Sojourner Truth.

2. Eleanor Roosevelt

Roosevelt became the first First Lady to take on responsibilities beyond merely hosting and entertaining in the White House. Even before she was the First Lady, she was already involved with women's issues. She was working with the Women's Trade Union League and the International Congress of Working Women. From 1935 to 1962, she wrote "My Day," a newspaper column that addressed women's work, equality and rights, all social issues, which at the time were considered "controversial," especially for that of a First Lady to speak about. After her time as First Lady, she became the first US delegate to the United Nations, served as first chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights and also chaired JFK's President's Commission on the Status of Women to promote equality and advise on women's issues.

3. Betty Friedan

The American writer and activist penned The Feminine Mystique in 1963, which is often credited for sparking the second wave of feminism that began in the '60s and '70s. Friedan spent most of her life working to establish women's equality. She helped to establish the National Women's Political Caucus as well as organizing the Women's Strike For Equality in 1970, which popularized the feminist movement throughout America.

4. Gloria Steinem

Gloria Steinem, who is often referred to as the "Mother of Feminism," led the women's liberation movements throughout the '60s and '70s—and continues to do so today. She is the co-founder of the feminist-themed Ms. Magazine and several female groups that changed the face of feminism including Women's Action Alliance, National Women's Political Caucus, Women's Media Center and more. All of her efforts led to her induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1993 and in 2013 she was honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She continues to be a trailblazer for feminism today, most recently with her Viceland series, WOMAN, and post-election action for young girls and women.

5. Maya Angelou

Through her literature, public speaking and powerful writing, Maya Angelou inspired both women and African Americans to overcome gender and race discrimination. In 2011, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her works that spanned over 50 years including 36 books, seven autobiographies and over 50 honorary degrees.

There are so many more women who have had huge impacts on the feminist movement. All of these women, and many more fought for women’s equality and all of these people's contributions and efforts have made a difference, one way or another.