-
Period: to
Change in Women's Rights Worldwide - 1950's
This timeline shows how Women's Rights changed and developed all over the world during the period 1950 - 1959. It includes changes and information from Ireland, America, Asia and Africa. -
Women comprise 2% of the US Military.
Today that figure is 14%. Many of the military women in the 1950's would have had to disguise themselves as men in order to gain access to the battlefield. This includes well-known examples like Frances Clayton in the American Civil War. -
Women's Right to Vote - India.
The right for women to vote was introduced in India in 1950. -
Women in China gain full property rights.
Women in China did not gain full property rights until the passing of The Marriage Law of 1950. -
High Percentage of married women
In 1951, 84.8% of women between the ages of 45 and 49 were married. The figure was 75% overall. At that time: “marriage was more popular than ever before” (Bruely). -
Equal Pay for Women Teachers Introduced
In 1952, equal pay for women teachers was introduced in Britain for the first time. -
Women's Right to Vote - Lebanon.
The right for women to vote was introduced in Lebanon in 1952. -
"Speaking As A Woman" published
In 1953, a popular book of advice for women stated: “A happy marriage may be seen, not as a holy state or something to which a few may luckily attain, but rather as the best course, the simplest, and the easiest way of life for us all” (P. Whiteman, Speaking As A Woman). -
"The Second Sex" published.
In 1953, Simone de Beauvoir’s historical account "The Second Sex" was published. It was an historical analysis of women’s second-class status in America. It helped greatly in forcing the issue into the public arena. -
Equal Pay for Women Civil Servants
In 1954, equal pay ofr women civil servants was introduced in Britain for the first time. This followed the introduction of equal pay for women teachers two years previously. -
"How To Be A Good Wife" published.
A self-help guide for women was published for American housewives in 1954. -
Rose Parks refuses to give up her bus seat for a white man.
In 1955 Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus to a white man. Although primarily a race issue, her arrest for that refusal led to a year-long boycott of the city's bus system and the civil rights movement in the U.S. -
Married Women's Status Bill published
The Married Women’s Status Bill was published in 1956. Although introducing new rights for married women, it was eventually seen as a limited and fundamentally conservative
piece of legislation in Ireland. -
Women's Right to Vote introduced - Egypt.
The right for women to vote was introduced in Egypt in 1956. -
Civil Service Regulation Act published.
The Civil Service Regulation Act was published in 1956 in Ireland. Women were now legally required to retire from work once they were married. -
Married Women's Status Act published.
In 1957, the Married Women's Status Act was published, ushering in a new wave of rights and equality for all women in Ireland at that time. -
Women's Right to Vote - Malaysia
The right for women to vote was introduced in Malaysia in 1957. -
First Women Gardaí introduced in Ireland.
In 1958, the Irish Government introduced the first female Gardaí into the force, in Dublin. It was initially on a trial basis. -
First Female Swedish Prime Minister elected.
In 1958, Ulla Lindström became the first female Swedish Prime Minister.
