To what degree were the efforts of the second wave of feminism successful?
When we uncover the true meaning of feminism, we discover that it merely means exercising equal rights between the two genders of male and female. The second wave of feminism was exercised in the years 1960’s, 1970’s, and early 1980’s. The wave was mainly focused on equality between men and women and discrimination against women by men. The Women’s Liberation Movement and the National Organization for women were one of the groups formed by women to protest on the need to have equality. Ad hoc groups also staged sit-ins and marches for protesting other challenges facing women.
As a result, medical centers for rape crisis and health collectives were established. Women could now find jobs everywhere after being excluded from specific job opportunities that were believed to be for men for decades. Also, women became protected in the workplace as protective labor laws were withdrawn. Any employer who was reported to disfavor a woman was liable to settle accounts with back pay. Study departments for women were established in universities and colleges, while children’s books were reviewed and written to remove stereotypes of sex.
Women were able to make individual decisions for themselves regarding issues affecting them physically, mentally, or emotionally, for example, when or how to get pregnant, the use of contraception, abortion, and so on. Matters of violence against women, childcare, and reproductive rights were acknowledged on the public agenda as legitimate issues. It brought about changes in custody and divorce laws where the male gender was most privileged. The second wave achieved victory not only because it brought a lot of changes in women’s lives, but also the movements involved went on to evolve positively over time and make a name for themselves. As time went by, the idea of women enjoying equal rights with men became more and more acknowledged. It gave women a collective sense of power and belonging.
What impact can you see from these three decades in the modern era?
The three decades of feminism created the modern woman, a confident, passionate, and self-driven woman. A woman who is aware of her rights and is not afraid to make them known if need be. The decades of feminism empowered women to pursue careers and participate in various fields like economic growth, cultural upheavals, and political and social structures. They brought a massive change in the role and position of a woman.
Now, there are equal opportunities for both boys and girls in learning and educating them has become a priority for most countries worldwide. The world has acknowledged the importance of educating the girl child and its necessity for promoting economic and social growth. Most countries are focusing their energy and resources on raising literacy and education levels of women not only for her benefit but also for the development of the society.
Women are now encouraged to take up leadership roles with support from society in most countries. We now have women presidents, ministers, parliament members, and diplomats in every government. There are gender equality laws to protect the interests of women in government and make sure women are well represented.
Equal opportunities for both men and women are available in the workplace; women are now taking up jobs that were perceived to be for men, e.g., construction jobs. Legislations have also been keen on reducing the barriers facing women in the workplace by creating a conducive working environment for women, including favorable working hours and a good salary.
Lastly, the woman is also given priority in the modern era’s health sector due to her fragileness. This is because the prevention and treatment of illness in men and women differs over their lifetime. Governments have worked towards creating a conducive and favorable health environment for women during pregnancy and other mother activities. This includes cost-friendly and high-quality healthcare services.