by Mohammed Lodhi Hussain
Feminism challenged traditional ideals about women. It sought to establish the same political, economical and social status as men. Women were burdened by not having a public life. Men in the 19th century viewed women as child bearers and homemakers. There was a perception of inequity at this time that women were not capable of grasping reason, so they were denied the right to vote. The feminist movement wanted to show that women are equal to a man, and as must be given the same rights and liberties endowed unto a man.
The feminist movement was attempting to change the traditional ideals of societies towards the treatment of women. The movement wanted to educate women so that they would not be taken advantage of. Many women were concerned with their right to vote. Voting was limited to property ownership, some women were capable of voting from inheriting land or the husband was incapacitated. Later property ownership prerequisites for voting were eliminated, leaving only adult males allowed for voting. This was a big set back for women. This law deprived women’s legitimate claim for the right to vote.
Abolition was a critical issue during the movement. Many of the early female abolitionists had Quaker backgrounds, with traditional beliefs that everyone is equal amalgamated in their political views. Women began demanding admittance in male abolition organizations. By enabling justice from slavery women can free themselves from the shackles of obedience, which plagued them from achieving equality.
The Seneca Falls convention of 1848, which attracted more than two hundred women and about forty men was established to deal with women’s rights. They made textual references to the “Declaration of Independence” which stated that women were
Created equal and like men were given certain natural rights. The document discussed the right to vote, hold property, fair terms in divorce, and custody of children. It also dealt with men holding back women from higher education, professions, and profitable jobs. It also attacked the church for excluding women for ministry.
New York State passed the “Married women’s property act in 1848 which allowed women to acquire and keep assets independently to their husbands. This was the first law to give an individual identity to women. Also the injustices taking place in labor with women working incredibly long hours in dangerous conditions. Women were subject to dangerous conditions in mills and other industrial jobs. These types of reforms open the doors for progress for women.
There were set backs to the movement, which arose from ignorant males with power to try to subdue women opportunities toward justice. They try to filibuster and elongate their hold on any prominent political seat and jobs. The majority of people at the beginning of activism of women’s rights were met with a wall of woes. Most of Europe is trying to silence female voices and labeling them as unnatural creatures for engaging against their husbands.
The feminist movement was a pivotal change in the social infrastructure of western civilization, not limited to its effects to women. It handled issues of social reform for minorities and individuals who were unjustly excluded from active involvement in politics.