Feminism

What is Feminism?
Feminism is a range of political movements and social movements that share a
common goal being, to define, establish, and achieve political, economic,
personal, and social equality of sexes. This includes seeking to establish
educational and professional opportunities for women that are equal to those
for men.
When did feminism start?
Modern feminist movement began on July 19th and 20th, 1848, in Seneca
Falls, New York.
First-wave feminism was a period of activity during the 19th century and early
twentieth century.
In the UK and eventually the US, it focused on the promotion of equal
contract, marriage, parenting, and property rights for women. By the end of
the 19th century, a number of important steps had been made with the
passing of legislation such as the UK Custody of Infants Act 1839 which
introduced the Tender years doctrine for child custody arrangement and gave
woman the right of custody of their children for the first time.
Other legislation such as the Married Women's Property Act 1870 in the UK
and extended in the 1882 Act, these became models for similar legislation in
other British territories. For example, Victoria passed legislation in 1884, New
South Wales in 1889, and the remaining Australian colonies passed similar
legislation between 1890 and 1897. Therefore, with the turn of the 19th
century activism had focused primarily on gaining political power, particularly
the right of women's suffrage, though some feminists were active in
campaigning for women's sexual, reproductive, and economic rights as well.
Emmeline Pankhurst
"Trust in God - she will provide."
The leader of the British suffragette movement fought tirelessly for the right
for women to vote. Dedicated to "deeds, not words" she organised
demonstrations, smashed windows and went on hunger strike for her cause.
She died shortly after seeing women and men granted equal voting rights.
Virginia Woolf
"As a woman I have no country. As a woman I want no country. As a woman
my country is the whole world."
A witty feminist foremother, Woolf's stream of consciousness narratives focus
on placing a shining light on women's untapped potential. She has been
accused of being a privileged class snob but the key messages of her texts
'women must have a room of their own...' have endured.