20 moments in history that put women's rights on the map
Inequality has and continues to darken our history. Stories about racism, religious bigotry, LGBT and women's rights are just some of the issues that are still headline news... Although women today generally have more of a say, it wasn't and still isn't an easy ride.
In honor of all the women who've stood up for their rights, here are 20 photos of historical moments that put sexual equality at the top of the agenda.
1. The men-only marathon
5 years before women were officially allowed to compete in marathons, Kathrine Switzer took part in the 1967 Boston marathon. This photo shows a fellow competitor trying to stop an official from pulling her from the race.
2. Miniskirts hit the streets
It was the British model Jean Shrimpton who caused eyebrows (and hemlines!) to be raised when she was the first woman to appear in public wearing a miniskirt during a trip to the Melbourne races in 1965.
3. The shorter, the better
By 1965, hemlines had risen even higher, as modelled by these two girls alongside some rather shocked onlookers!
4. The Ink Mistress
Maud Wagner was the first female tattoo artist to hit the big time and by 1907 had already turned her own body into an amazing work of art!
5. Really short shorts
These two women were the first to be photographed showing off their pins in Toronto in 1937!
6. The Suffragettes
1906 London saw the rise of the Suffragette movement, as seen in this shot featuring 2 British women demanding the right to vote.
7. Swapping skirts for trousers
It was Yves Saint-Laurent who first made pant suits for women in 1966. His suit-wearing models were seen being refused entry into restaurants, as apparently wearing pants was considered to be provocative!
8. Swimwear scandals
It was in 1907 that professional swimmer, actress and writer Annette Kellermann slipped on a swimsuit. After this photo was published, she was arrested for indecent exposure!
9. Sexy swimwear
In 1920, the actress Lila Lee posed in what was then considered to be a sexy swimsuit. Morality fanatics even set up association in the USA in their quest to ban such 'indecent' garments.
10. And it didn't stop there...
This photo shows the 1922 arrest of a woman in Chicago. She was detained for wearing a swimsuit deemed to be too revealing.
11. Mixed race schools
Elizabeth Eckford was one of the first black women to attend what was previously an all-white school. This shocking 1957 photo shows just how terrible racial segregation had become, even if laws had by that time been officially changed.
12. Serving an ace!
Billie Jean King rocked the tennis world, winning numerous Grand Slams including Wimbledon! Her success as a player greatly helped equality in world of tennis!
13. The first woman to compete in a F1 race
In 1958, Italian-born Maria Teresa de Filippis became the first female F1 driver!
14. Slam dunk
Senda Berenson led the way when it came to female basketball players in the States. She even managed to get some basketball rules changed, even though the game was invented in 1891!
15. The woman behind Wi-Fi technology
Hedy Lamarr wasn't just a famous American actress, but also the woman who helped devise a radio guidance system that's still used in military communications, cell phones and Wi-Fi connections!
16. Strip off!
These women were members of a Protestant movement that fought for women's rights to wear what they want. They're seen here protesting in front of a Californian clothes store in 1947.
17. A woman of character
Rosa Parks made history when she refused to give up her seat to a white person. Here she is in 1956 having her fingerprints taken in an Alabama police station.
18. A London fashion icon
It was in 1958 that Mary Quant designed the first miniskirts - a sexy, practical alternative to cumbersome skirts and dresses!
19. Let it all hang out!
Paul Poiret was a French fashion designer who, in 1906, brought out a collection that didn't require a corset. A scandalous act back then, but one that meant women could finally ditch these suffocating under garments!
20. Sent home from school
These two were sent home from school due to their revealing outfits. In 1953 Berlin, women weren't allowed to wear pants, shorts or even ride a bike!
A little question... Do you think that things we find shocking today will become the norm in the future? Tells us what you think in the comments section below!
By Straker Julia
Writer
Passionate about writing, I write articles on the subjects that I love. Creativity and Animals themes are my favorites!
