Women's History [1900 - 2012]

National Women's Trade Union League [NWTUL]

Jan 1, 1903

Working conditions and wages were significantly improved for women once this League was established. They were given fair wages and a reasonable eight hour working day,

First Birth-Control Clinic is Opened

Jan 1, 1916

The very first birth-control clinic is opened in Brooklyn, New York by Margaret Sanger.

19th Amendment

Aug 26, 1920

Secretary of State Brainbridge Colby signs the 19th Amendment, which gives American women the right to vote, into law.

National Council of Negro Women

Jan 1, 1935

Mary McLeod Bethune organized and established the National Council of Negro Women to lobby against racism, sexism, and discrimination.

Women Army Corps [WAC] and Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services [WAVES] are established

Jan 1, 1942

Congress authorizes women to serve in the United States Navy.

Daughters of Bilitis

Jan 1, 1955

The very first organization for lesbians, the Daughters of Bilitis, is founded.

Equal Pay Act

Jun 10, 1963

Congress passes a law making it illegal to pay women less than men.

Roe v. Wade

Jan 1, 1973

As a result of this court case, women were given the right to a safe and legal abortion.

Sandra Day O'Connor

Mar 31, 1981

Sandra Day O'Connor is named the first woman justice of the Supreme Court.

The Year of the Woman

Mar 31, 1992

Due to the doubling of women elected into Congress, 1992 is dubbed "The Year of the Woman".

Nancy Pelosi

Mar 31, 2007

Nancy Pelosi became the first female Speaker of the House.

Rush Limbaugh Apologizes

Mar 3, 2012

Popular Republican radio talkshow host Rush Limbaugh apologizes to Sandra Fluke - she was arguing with Congress, trying to convince them that contracceptives should be covered by healthcare. Rush Limbaugh called her a "slut" because of her beliefs.