Historically, women in this country have faced discrimination against their civil, political, employment and educational rights.
Civil rights
In the 1800's women had little to no rights. Women could not own property, could not vote, and had no means to gain an education since colleges or universities would not accept women students. Most occupations were closed to women and when women did work they were paid only a fraction of what men earned.
Political rights
Women were not allowed to hold public office or vote. It wasn't until 1920, 150 years after men received the right to vote, that women gained the right to vote and fully participate in government.
Employment Rights
Discrimination against women in public and private employment, resulted in the 1963 Equal Pay Act, which mandated equal pay for men and women performing the same duties, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which barred employment discrimination by private employers, employment agencies, and unions based on race, sex, and other grounds.
Educational Rights
In 1972 Title IX of the Education Amendments to the Civil Rights Act opened the way for women's increased participation in athletics programs and professional schools.
The original intent of establishing State Commissions on Women was to address historical and institutional discrimination against women.
In 1962 President Kennedy created the President's Commission on the Status of Women, chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt. In 1963 they published a report that documented discrimination against women in virtually in every area of American life. It also recommended the formation of state Commissions on the Status of Women. These bodies were designed to study the status of women in all areas of their lives and recommend changes to help women achieve their basic rights. By 1969 each state, including New Hampshire, formed a Commission on the Status of Women. Currently there are 41 state commissions and a National Association of Women's Commissions.
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