All human beings have the right to live free from violence and discrimination, to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, to be educated, to own property; to vote, and to earn an equal wage. But across the globe, many women and girls still face discrimination on the basis of sex and gender. For many years women’s rights movements have fought hard to address this, campaigning to change laws and demanding equality for all.
"Eight years later in Seneca Falls, New York, Mott and Stanton, along with Mott's younger sister, Martha Coffin Wright, fulfilled the pledge they had made to each other in London and held the first woman's rights convention in America.”
1866 | Frances Ellen Watkins Harper demands the right to vote for black women
Frances Ellen Watkins was a prolific author, poet, abolitionist and suffragist. In 1866, at the National Women's Rights Convention, she demanded equal rights for all, including Black women. She helped found the National Association of Colored Women
1916 | The National Women's Party is Established
Alice Paul was a suffragist and leader for the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. She picketted the White House and organized boycotts.
Watch this short student-produced film, Women's Equality Day, to learn more about the importance of the 19th Amendment and the history of Women's Equality Day.
A brief look at the journey towards Equity for Women.
These present-day heroes follow their passions in supporting and pursuing women's rights and equality, both globally and in their own communities.
Advocators for Women and Girls Education
Malala Yousafzai - Young Activist for Female Education
Malala is the youngest person to win a Nobel Peace Prize, and on June 19, 2020, she received her degree from Oxford University.
MY HERO Suggested Video
Malala Yousafzai | The Youngest Nobel Prize Winner | #SeeHer Story by Katie Couric
At only 22 years old, Malala Yousafzai has made a name for herself as one of the most influential champions of female education in the world.
Samar Khan - 'The Woman who Changed the World'
Samar Khan, of Vital Voices, is a filmmaker, anthropologist and activist who has spent years using film and other mediums to promote social change in Pakistan, predominantly advocating for women and children’s causes.
The following two short films address violence against women. One is a speech by Alyse Nelson of Vital Voices, speaking out against the epidemic of violence against women and for the rights of women everywhere. The second is a PSA about protecting women from violence in India.
Alyse Nelson of Vital Voices makes an impassioned call to change culture and end the global crisis of violence against women.
The following stories have links so you can hear the audio as you read. Great for ESL students!
Tom Block founded the Human Rights Painting Project to showcase defenders of women's human rights around the world.
Short films about remarkable heroes who devote their lives to making things better for young girls
In India, Educate Girls is working to make education more accessible to girls by partnering with public schools, training local champions for girls’ education.
A Short Film from a Middle School Activist Against Violence to Women
Meena Keshwar Kamal worked to empower the women of Afghanistan. In 1977 she founded the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA) to provide education, shelter, and healthcare to Afghani refugees.
Related Pages
Organizer created on 7/5/2022 2:58:42 PM by Abigail Richardson
Last edited 7/11/2022 2:50:47 PM by Laura Nietzer
