Chronicle the women’s movement in the United States and discuss the goals, achievements and overall impact of the three waves of feminism. Begin with the “first wave” of feminism in the late 18th century, which focused on voting rights and political equality. Introduce “second-wave feminism,” which occurred between the 1960s and 1980s and expanded focus from solely women’s issues to social and cultural inequalities, more generally. Introduce students to “third-wave feminism,” which began in the 1980s and, according to some, still persists today. Emphasize that this movement is the most supportive of contradictions within itself, supporting different strands of feminism and different ideologies of gender and sexuality. Challenge students to reflect on how the waves expanded upon the foundations of past movements, and how, while different in vision and purpose, the waves advocated women’s rights.
Present a historical timeline of noteworthy dates in the history of women’s path to equality. For instance, note the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. Note Amelia Earhart’s flight from Newfoundland to Wales in 1928, which was the first instance of a woman’s transatlantic flight. Cite President Ronald Reagan’s 1981 appointment of the first female Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O’Connor. Depending on your preferences, expand the timeline to include noteworthy dates for women around the world, not just in the United States. For instance, include Queen Elizabeth’s coronation and the election of Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of the newly independent India. For an assignment, challenge students to add an important date for each decade of the 20th century.
Challenge students to research and report on a woman or gender minority whose historical achievements are only now beginning to be acknowledged. For instance, provide students with the names of artists, musicians or literary figures that history books have tended to overlook. Alternatively, challenge students to research and present on a female or gender minority politician, social leader, business leader, scientist or athlete. Assign students to share information with the class about the person's accomplishments and how this figure broke ground for future generations.
While gender empowerment is often associated with the women’s movement, it encompasses much more. Reinforce to students that gender empowerment promotes equality and achievement irrespective of gender, sexuality, class, race and other factors. Present a lesson plan on the connections between feminism and other social movements, such as the movement for gay rights. Challenge students to analyze how the two movements differ in mission and purpose while also sharing common goals and initiatives. Alternatively, challenge students to analyze how gender empowerment is culture-specific. The status of gender minorities varies among cultures around the world. Challenge students to compare the advances of gender equality in the United States, compared to other parts of the globe.