On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified after over 70 years of campaigning for women’s rights. Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, along with Lucretia Mott overcame many challenges to urge this amendment to pass: from Anthony’s arrest when she attempted to vote in the 1872 presidential election, to patiently enduring the passing of 15th amendment–which allowed African American men to have their right to vote beforehand–, and giving innumerable speeches to persuade BOTH men and women that the constitution wrote “we, the people; not we, the white male citizens... but to the whole people–women as well as men” (as quoted by Susan B. Anthony). With the perseverance, tenacity, and legacy of these powerful women, gender barriers slowly tore away. The 19th amendment is known for allowing women to vote, but it also symbolizes a significant driving force towards women’s rights. Before, women were expected to serve in traditional roles as a wife and mother. Today, women not only have the right to vote, but are able to obtain the same job and educational opportunities …show more content…
While there are more opportunities available to women in America, many countries are still in the beginning stages of favoring women’s rights. In Afghanistan, over 87 percent of women have reported to be victims of domestic violence and over fifty percent of married women are under 16. In Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to participate in sport competitions and may not have any freedom without the appearance of a male relative. Moreover, just recently, women in Saudi Arabia were allowed to drive. This demonstrates that slower progress is being made in other countries and shows that we now live in a far more progressive society. Fortunately, the 19th amendment can serve to inspire other countries to allow women to have more rights. Additionally, women all over America can also work together to help women in other countries to break gender