Feminist Timeline

  • 1848

    The first convention to discuss women's rights was held in Seneca Falls, New York.
  • 1850

    First national women's rights convention is held in Worcestor, MA.
  • 1866

    Petition by sufferagists with 10,000 signatures is sent to Congress.
  • 1890

    Wyoming adopts the amendment for women to vote for the first time.
  • 1913

    The National Association of Colored Women is formed.
  • 1943

    Rosie the Riveter becomes a cultural icon during WWII as women work in factories to support the war effort.
  • 1961

    President Kennedy appointed the presidential commission on the status of women.
  • 1963

    President Kennedy's commission reported that women were "paid far less than men."
  • 1963

    Congress passes "Equal Pay Act," prohibiting the discrimination of women through payroll.
  • 1964

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 helped strengthen the feminist movement.
  • 1966

    28 women, including Betty Friedman, created the National Organization for Women. (NOW)
  • 1968

    A militant group known as the New York Radical Women staged a "well-publicized' demonstration, where they threw girdles, bras, and wigs into a "freedom trash can."
  • 1971

    Gloria Steinem, a journalist, helped found the National Women's Political Caucus, that helped women to seek political office.
  • 1973

    U.S. Supreme Court declares "gender segregated help wanted ads" as unlawful.
  • 1997

    Madeleine Albright becomes the first female secretary of state.
  • 2012

    Fourth-wave feminism began around 2012 and is associated with the use of social media. Key issues include the fight against street and workplace harassment, campus sexual assault and rape culture.

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