Forbid Me Not

Daily Prompt – Forbidden

As women of the 21st century, we’ve come a long way, but there are still barriers to overcome.  I give thanks to the many women who have paved the way through blood, sweat, and tears. So many rights, so many dreams, so many pleasures were denied us simply because of our sex. As I peruse history, I thank heaven for those brave souls who took a courageous stance. Things we take for granted today weren’t always privileges.

Voting is one of those rights denied women until 1920. In 1872, Susan B. Anthony  flexed her political arm and tried to vote, but that right wouldn’t come until 1920 with the passing of the 19th amendment named rightfully so, “The Susan B. Anthony Amendment.”

Jury Duty, which is now our civic duty, wasn’t always a woman’s obligation. Not until the Supreme Court ruling in 1975 allowing women to be part of the jury pool.

The plastic we carry in our wallets also came at a cost. Like credit scores, banks refused a woman based on her marital status until the Equal Opportunity Act of 1974.

The workplace has changed drastically since 1978. Before that time pregnant women could not work until the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. Male -dominated careers were finally opening their doors. In 1979 NASA selected the first female Astronaut.

Sports, well things are changing. It was not until 1972 women were allowed to participate in the Boston Marathon.

These are just a few rights forbidden women. Many others we fought for and won. But there’s still ways to go.

Thank you, Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, Marie Curie, Dorothy Height, Dr. Mae Jemison, Katherine Switzer, Malala Yousafzai  and many other women for paving the way for others.