Historical Events tagged with "women's rights"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Sandra Day O'Connor Nominated for Supreme Court

July 7th, 1981 43 years ago

On July 7, 1981, US President Ronald Reagan nominated Sandra Day O'Connor, a legal leader and judge, to serve as the first female justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. This historic decision marked a significant advancement for women in the judiciary and reinforced the principles of diversity and inclusion within the highest court. Reagan's move was part of his broader commitment to appoint justices who would uphold his conservative policies. O'Connor’s prior judicial experience and qualifications made her a suitable candidate for the role, setting a precedent for future female appointments in the judiciary.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Icelandic Women's Strike Against Inequality

October 24th, 1975 49 years ago

In a landmark protest against gender inequality, 90% of Icelandic women participated in a national strike on October 24, 1975. The strike involved women from various professions, including educators, doctors, and housewives, who left their workplaces and duties to draw attention to unfair treatment and disparities in pay and opportunity. The event took place in Iceland, a small island nation in the North Atlantic, and was both a statement of solidarity and a powerful call for change towards greater gender equality in the workforce and society.

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Sports & Recreation

Billie Jean King Defeats Bobby Riggs

September 20th, 1973 51 years ago

Billie Jean King faced off against Bobby Riggs in a highly-publicized tennis match known as the Battle of the Sexes. The match took place at the Houston Astrodome, where King triumphed over Riggs, winning in straight sets. This showdown was not only a sporting event but also a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing the push for gender equality in sports. It attracted a significant audience, both in-person and through television broadcasts, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about women's rights.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Title IX Amended to Address Sexual Discrimination

June 23rd, 1972 52 years ago

Title IX of the United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 was amended to prohibit sexual discrimination in educational programs receiving federal funds. This amendment was a critical step towards ensuring gender equity in educational institutions across the nation. It aimed to eliminate barriers that women faced in accessing education and participating in various programs funded by the federal government.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Declaration of the Day of the Colombian Woman

November 14th, 1967 57 years ago

The Congress of Colombia officially declared this date as the Day of the Colombian Woman in honor of Policarpa Salavarrieta, a notable figure in Colombian history. This commemoration marked the 150th anniversary of her death, celebrating her contributions as a heroine of Colombian independence. The declaration aimed to promote recognition and empowerment of women in Colombia. Various activities and events were organized throughout the country to honor women's roles in society and history.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Formation of the National Organization for Women

June 30th, 1966 58 years ago

The National Organization for Women (NOW) was founded in 1966 in Washington, D.C., by a group of feminists seeking to advocate for women's rights. The founders, including Betty Friedan, were motivated by the need for a national feminist voice on issues such as gender equality, workplace rights, and reproductive freedom. NOW aimed to mobilize women across the United States to challenge discrimination and advance the women's movement through political advocacy, activism, and education.

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Exploration & Discovery

Jerrie Mock's Historic Solo Flight Achievement

April 17th, 1964 60 years ago

Jerrie Mock completed the first solo flight around the world by a woman on April 17, 1964. Her journey, undertaken in the Spirit of Columbus, began and ended at Port Columbus International Airport in Ohio. The flight lasted for 29 and a half days, marking a significant milestone for women in aviation. Mock's adventure included stops in numerous countries, where she faced various challenges including weather and technical issues. Her successful return made her an icon in aviation history.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Feminine Mystique Ignites Feminist Movement

February 19th, 1963 62 years ago

Betty Friedan's influential book, 'The Feminine Mystique', is published, sparking a renewed focus on women's rights and gender issues in America. Friedan critiques the domestic roles of women that dominated post-World War II society, challenging the societal norms that confined them to homemaking and mothering. Her work resonates widely, leading to the formation of women's organizations and consciousness-raising groups that seek to address gender inequality and empowerment.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Assassination of the Mirabal Sisters

November 25th, 1960 64 years ago

Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa Mirabal were prominent political activists in the Dominican Republic who opposed the regime of Rafael Trujillo. They were murdered by agents of the state while traveling on a rural road in the Dominican Republic. Their deaths sparked outrage and became a symbol of the struggle against dictatorship, highlighting women's roles in the fight for human rights and freedom in Latin America. The Mirabal sisters are remembered annually on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, celebrated on November 25.

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