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On December 8, 1941 the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The very next day the United States government declared war and entered World War II. This was a major step for women. When the men were at war, the women were need for labor.
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On this day Rosie the Riveter was the cover page of The Saturday Evening Post. This was the first visual image of Rosie to be seen by the public.
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Japan surrenders, marking the end of the war. By this time over 18 million women were in the United States workforce.
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In 1960, the Food and Drug lifts the bad on birth control pills. This was a major step in the women's right movment as now the women had more control of their life.
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Congress passes the Equal Pay Act, making it illegal for employers to pay a woman less than what a man would receive for the same job.
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In 1964, Title VII of the Civl Rights Act bars discrimination in employment on the basis of race and sex. At the same time it establishes the Equal Oppurunity Commision (EEOC) to investiage complaints and impost penalties. This was a giant leap for women as now they can get legal help if they are not given equal oppuruinty as men.
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As a result of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court establishes a woman's right to safe and legal abortion, overriding the anti-abortion laws of many states.
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The Pregnancy Discrimination Act bans employment discrimination against pregnant women. Under the Act, a woman cannot be fired or denied a job or a promotion because she is or may become pregnant, nor can she be forced to take a pregnancy leave if she is willing and able to work.
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In Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the Supreme Court reaffirms the validity of a woman's right to abortion under Roe v. Wade. The case successfully challenges Pennsylvania's 1989 Abortion Control Act, which sought to reinstate restrictions previously ruled unconstitutional.
