By Stefani Tauger, CJ 370

1848- The first women’s convention is held in Seneca Falls, NY.

1855- Lucy Stone becomes the first woman on record to keep her own last name after marriage, setting a trend among women who will come to be known as “Lucy Stoners.”

1913- The Congressional Union is founded to help fuel the fight for women’s rights, known later as the National Women’s Party.

1917- The first woman (Jeannette Rankin from Montana) is elected to the US Congress.

1920- Women have the right to vote! The 19th amendment is ratified.

1932- Amelia Earhart becomes the first women to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

“A pilot’s a pilot. I hope that such equality can be carried out to other fields so that men and women may achieve equally in any endeavor.”

1943- “We can do it!” Rosie the Riveter becomes the face of the American way during WWII as many women take over jobs previously held by men when they are at battle.

1954- Plessy vs. Ferguson gave the ruling that everyone is equal and should therefore have the same rights.

1960- The FDA approves birth control pills giving women further rights to the choices they make concerning their bodies.

1963- Betty Freidan writes The Feminine Mystique, outlining the dissatisfaction of women in the current social status.

1964- The Civil Rights Act is passed including a key element for women. It outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin and sex.

1966- The National Organization of Women is founded (NOW).

1971- Ms. Magazine is first issue launched in the New York Magazine becoming more than just a publication, but also a movement.

1972- The Equal Rights Act is passed including Title IX, which allows women and girls the right to not be denied the benefits of participating in any activity that is financed by the government.

1973- Roe vs. Wade is a turning point in the fight for women’s rights. Legally a woman can now have an abortion if it is within the first trimester if she so chooses.

1978- The Helen X Sampson Collection of Women’s Studies Material is dedicated to the University of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. -Congress passes the Pregnancy Discrimination Act to ensure that women and men could take off time from work for pregnancy-related problems without their job being in jeopardy.

1979- Ann Devroy, former UWEC graduate, starts her prestigious career as White House news correspondent.

1981- Sandra Day O’ Connor is appointed to the Supreme Court making her the first women in history to hold this position. - Sen. Orrin Hatch and Rep. Barbara Mikulski co-sponsor a Congressional resolution proclaiming “National Women’s History Week,” including March 8,“International Women’s Day.”

1984- Sarah Harder, UWEC professor, pioneers the Women’s Studies Program at the University of Eau Claire.

1985- Women’s Studies at the UWEC became a minor for students.

1990- Sarah Harder named Director of Women’s Studies.

1993- The Family and Medical Leave Act goes into effect allowing people to be eligible of up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave for situations such as having a child etc.

1994- Congress adopts the Gender Equality in Education Act.

1998- The V-day Campaign starts with a performance of The Vagina Monologues to raise awareness for violence.

2000- Sarah Harder retires and Jennifer Shaddock takes over as the Interim Program Coordinator UW-Eau Claire.

2002- Susan Turell takes over as head of the Women’s Studies program at UWEC.

2003- CASA (Center for Awareness of Sexual Assault) is established.

2004- Women’s and Gender Equity Center (WAGE) opens.

2006- Women’s Studies Program at UWEC is offered for the first time as a major.

2008- Katherine Rhoades becomes the Interim Program Coordinator.

2009- The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act is passed, creating the opportunity to receive equal pay if there has been discrimination for various reasons.

-The University of Eau Claire, Wisconsin celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Women’s Studies Program at UWEC!