Legal Changes for Gender Equality

Legal changes based on feminist ideas have really helped improve gender equality. Here’s how these changes have made a difference:

1. Voting Rights:

   • The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, passed in 1920, gave women the right to vote. This change allowed more people to participate in politics.
   • In 2015, Saudi Arabia also let women vote, which was a big win for gender equality in that country.

2. Workplace Equality:

   • The Equal Pay Act of 1963 worked to end the pay gap between men and women. By 2021, women were earning about $0.82 for every dollar earned by men.
   • Maternity leave and laws against discrimination have helped more women join the workforce. The number of women working increased from 32.7% in 1950 to 57.4% in 2020.

3. Reproductive Rights:

   • Important legal cases like Roe v. Wade in 1973 allowed women in the U.S. to make choices about their own bodies. This has affected reproductive health policies around the world.

4. Protection Against Violence:

   • The Violence Against Women Act, passed in 1994 in the U.S., helped provide support for victims of domestic abuse. It led to a $16 billion investment in services to prevent and respond to violence.

Overall, these legal changes have not only updated the laws but have also changed how society views gender equality. This has made a big difference in improving women’s social and economic status.