"Woman's rights" means equal rights for women and men, but it goes beyond equality-it means first recognizing the particular problems and difficulties confronting women, and then finding ways to overcome these barriers. Women's rights include the right to vote, run for election, to be treated equally and fairly, to speak freely and to use the law to support one's rights. It also includes the right to food, and shelter, to family life, to a decent standard of living and education and employment. These rights guarantee that women will not face discrimination on the basis of their sex. Until the late 20th century, women in most societies were denied some of the legal and political rights accorded to men; women were regarded as "chattel"- the property of their husbands or fathers (Citizenship Rights). Although women in much of the world have gained significant legal rights, many people believe that women still do not have complete political, economic, and social equality with men.
Women standing in line to vote in Bangladesh.
Sheila
English: Women's Rights Meeting in Tokyo seeking u...The Right to Vote
During the early century, women all around the world begun to campaign to gain suffrage; that is, the right vote. This was a controversial issue around the world because women were not allowed to vote. Governments were run by small groups of men who had inherited power to vote. Opponents saw votes for women as a dangerous step; some people thought it would destroy family relationships or lead to the collapse of society (The Suffrage Movement).
Inspired by the activities of British suffragettes, Canadian women became increasingly outspoken. They used imaginative publicity to make their point, exploiting the new mass media of radio, telephones, and public advertising. Suffragists spoke at venues such as state and country fairs and adult education classes.
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Women became drivers, plumbers, electricians,