The past century has witnessed some of the strongest women-led protest movements in history. With the dawn of the internet age, women around the world continue to use their collective power to advocate and fight for equality, representation, representation and autonomy. Whether it is the suffrage movement, the Me Too movement or any other issue related to gender equity, women have been at the forefront of pushing for change. This article will explore some of the most famous women-led protest movements of the past century and the various ways women have sought to effect change using protest.

Notable Women-Led Protest Movements of the Past Century

  1. Suffrage Movement: Led by activists such as Susan B. Anthony, the suffrage movement sought to secure the right to vote for women in the United States. After a decades-long fight, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed in 1920 and women were finally allowed to vote. The suffrage movement served as a template for the many other women-led protest movements to follow.

  2. Women’s March on Washington: In response to the election of President Donald Trump in 2016, women around the world took part in the Women’s March on Washington. The event quickly became one of the largest protest rallies in U.S. history, with over 500,000 people in attendance. The event brought together women from all walks of life to advocate for social justice, gender equality and human rights.

  3. Me Too Movement: The Me Too movement, started by Tarana Burke in 2006, recently gained mass traction with the help of social media. The movement has enabled victims of sexual abuse and harassment to come forward and tell their stories in an effort to hold their assailants accountable. The campaign has also highlighted the disturbing prevalence of such acts.

  4. Take Back the Night: Established in the 1970s, the Take Back the Night movement was launched to protest and raise awareness of gender-based violence against women. The movement has over the years staged protests globally and advocated for the safety of women in society.

  5. Black Lives Matter: Founded by three black female activists, Black Lives Matter is a social justice movement that seeks to end systemic racism. The movement has played a critical role in the fight to end police brutality, mass incarceration, and systemic oppression against the black community.

The Unique Role Women Play in Protest Movements

Women often bring an element of compassion and nurturance to the protest & advocacy movements they lead. With a deep understanding of the issues, from firsthand experience and research, women have been able to provide empathy and creative solutions that have enabled movements to progress and succeed. Women also lead protest movements with a greater consciousness for the potential for repercussion as well as taking a “holistic” approach to activism. For instance, the Suffragettes movement in the United Kingdom sought to draw attention to the need for women’s suffrage, but also realizing the importance of promoting social justice and the advancement of the welfare of all citizens.

Many times, women also bring a sense of collectivism to movements they lead, often relying on the support of other women to amplify their voices and ensure their message is heard. The International Women’s Day marches around the world serve as an example of how women’s collective strength, when unified, can inspire a call to action.

The Impact of Women-Led Protest Movements

When it comes to the impact women-led protest movements have had on society, it is evident that these efforts have created lasting social, political, and cultural changes. The suffrage movement and the 19th Amendment is an example of the direct, tangible effects of women-led protest movements.

Women-led movements have also resulted in governments and organizations changing their laws and policies when it comes to issues such as gender inequality, labor rights, and sexual violence. The #MeToo movement, for example, has encouraged corporations to adopt more stringent policies to ensure more robust systems are in place to protect victims of abuse and hold perpetrators accountable.

Moreover, with the rise and usage of technology, women-led protest movements today have become more viral and global reaching further audiences. The Women’s March on Washington, for instance, was propelled by the use of social media that enabled people around the world to get involved.

For centuries, women-led protest movements have enabled women around the world to fight for and achieve significant socio-economic gains such as the right to vote and increased labor protection and benefits. By galvanizing their collective strength and utilizing the power of technology, women have created and joined powerful campaigns to exercise their right to free speech and expression.

Moving forward, it is important for women to continue to stand up and advocate for their rights, empowering a generation of women from all corners of the globe to fight for the justice and equality that they deserve.