Throughout history, women’s rights have greatly varied, from times of high social status to eras of minimal basic rights. In this article I will be ranking several time periods based on the opportunity and rights women had at the time.
#1 Ancient Egypt:
During this time period women had high status. They could own property, rule, represent themselves in court and own businesses. Women could even divorce and leave their property to whomever she liked after she died.
#2 Mongolian Empire:
Women’s role in the Mongolian Empire was primarily at home, with most women staying at home while the men went off to fight. As the wars grew however, women’s roles expanded to include roles such as public office and even rulers. Other rights included owning and inheriting property, voicing opinions in tribal meetings, and involvement in religious ceremonies.
#3 French Revolution:
The French Revolution was an interesting time for women’s rights, due to both the activism and restriction that took place. Many women activists rose during this time, due to the upheaval in the government during the revolution. Contrary to this however, women’s rights didn’t see much progress until after the war, leaving many women to maintain their traditional domestic duties.
#4 Colonial America:
Most women in this time period took on domestic roles, and remained suppressed by men ‘s superiority and influence. While some women pushed for influence, women couldn’t vote or have jobs outside of home and childcare duties.
#5 Medieval Europe:
In Medieval Europe women were both legally and socially restricted. Any power granted to women was through the nobility/church, which was still very limited at the time. At this time women required parental consent for marriage and couldn’t own property.