With how far the suffrage movement has progressed and seeing the sheer number of women who’ve contributed, it is hard to believe that the fight for equality lingers in the current chapter of American history.
Hundreds of women gathered on Jan. 21 in Doylestown, Pa. near the old courthouse for an afternoon of releasing high strung emotions with regards to the current sociopolitical hot topics.
The rallying event was only one in a series of Women’s Marches blossoming around the states, with more protestor events planned in the future.
Orchestrated by the Rise Up movement, the particular day flourished with support as the masses bellowed chants and cheered for the guest speakers.
Just how effective are these activists outside of their incased states?
Do these crusades for justice and equality have an effect outside of the fizzling crowds?
Although there will always be critics, the United States does have a past of successful widespread activism within terms of Women’s suffrage.
Moreover, it would not be giving the pioneers of feminism their rightfully owed credit if international involvement was excluded.
Suffrage movements for women date further back in Europe, with pioneering ladies including icons like Emmeline Pankhurst and eventually giving way to activists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Despite the efforts and strides, there is still much to be achieved that which the current generation of feminist activists have been pushing for.
One of the major ongoing concerns that have been constantly worked towards alleviating would be the wage gap between the two genders.
The argument can be made that women are paid relatively better than 40 years ago, but on the other hand, the gap has yet to close up from roughly $10 differences in salaries, or potentially more.
While it could be automatic assumed that protests, the primary tactic that these movements use, are inefficient, one has to take into consideration the political climate.
When a more progressive agenda is showcased by the administration of the U.S. government, it becomes easier for a feminist group’s influence to trickle down, and usher more favorable policies.
In wake of the chaotic political strife that has overtaken recent days due to careless actions and words, one has to give some credit to the Rise Up movement.
Additionally, many women have been inspired to take action as opposed to silencing themselves and taking a passive role.
The #MeToo movement, which encourages women to be vocal about their experiences with with being sexually assaulted, is a perfect example of a development that was made.
After all, as Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “A woman is like a tea kettle, you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”