The Feminist Movement

The struggle for women's rights took place mainly in the ^20th century. It did not begin at the same time everywhere on the planet. In Quebec, women won the right to vote earlier than in Iraq, but later than in Germany or the UK. Even today, in some parts of the world, many women still have to fight to have their rights respected.

According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, all individuals are born free and equal. According to this principle, discrimination based on gender is prohibited. Yet women have had to make considerable efforts to be considered equal to men, and to enjoy the same rights. It was on the basis of human rights that women began their struggle for a fairer society.

In the ^20th century, women's rights and freedoms were very limited. In fact, they were considered minors and were under the authority and responsibility of their husbands, to whom they owed obedience. They do not have the right to vote or to be elected. They cannot own property or have a bank account. They are not entitled to higher education or certain jobs. In fact, their responsibility is to look after the children and keep the house clean. In short, the situation is unfair: women don't have as many rights as men.