How Elizabeth Cady Stanton Was Instrumental in Pushing Forward The Right for Women to Vote

Women’s rights movement is one of the most significant events that has shaped modern society. For a long time, men dominated every area such as decision-making, employment, and social standing. Many activists have stood up for their own rights, including Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, Lucy Stone, and Ida B. Wells. Among these pioneers, Elizabeth Cady Stanton played a pivotal role in the struggle for women’s rights. She wrote the "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions" during the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, highlighting the limitations women faced at that time. She passionately argued that women deserved equal rights. Although the movement achieved significant victories, many injustices remain unaddressed since the 19th century, such as denying women the right to vote, restricting their employment opportunities, and perpetuating a system of dependency that undermines their self-respect and confidence.

How Elizabeth Cady Stanton Played a Key Role in Advancing Women's Suffrage

Elizabeth Cady Stanton highlighted the systemic exclusion of women from voting. In her "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions" at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, she articulated numerous grievances against women, which she felt were unjustly imposed by society and men. According to Stanton, as noted in a Nolo article, “He has never permitted her to exercise her inalienable right to the elective franchise” (Nolo, 2023). Stanton was a pioneering activist for women's rights, contributing significantly to the movement from 1815 to 1902. She sought to amend the United States Constitution to enshrine women's rights, advocating for women to have the right to vote and express their views freely. Her efforts were among the earliest steps toward gender equality in the electoral process.

Employment and Economic Independence

Stanton also addressed the economic inequalities faced by women, emphasizing how they were denied the right to work in profitable employment due to job monopolization and bans on certain professions like theology, medicine, and law. In her Declaration, she pointed out that “He has monopolized nearly all the profitable employments, and from those she is permitted to follow, she receives but a scanty remuneration. He closes against her all the avenues to wealth and distinction, which he considers most honorable to himself” (Stanton, 1848). Historically, women were confined to household roles, but Stanton argued that women deserved equal opportunities in the workforce because they are born equally and are capable of working as diligently as men. In a LinkedIn article, Victor Tembo remarked on the EU's efforts to promote gender equality, although acknowledging the challenges still faced (Tembo, 2023). He envisioned a future where women are recognized as significant contributors to society's economic and social well-being.

Dependency and Moral Codes

The final issue Stanton addressed was the creation and perpetuation of a dependency system that eroded women's self-respect and confidence. She criticized the double standards in moral codes for men and women, stating, “He has created a false public sentiment by giving to the world a different code of morals for men and women, by which moral delinquencies which exclude women from society are not only tolerated but deemed of little account in man” (Stanton, 1848). Stanton argued that women should not be subjected to these detrimental comparisons and separations, as they are equally capable of achieving what men can.

Conclusion

Elizabeth Cady Stanton's "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions" at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 was a foundational document in the fight for women’s rights. Along with Susan B. Anthony, Stanton founded the Women’s Loyal National League in 1863 and initiated the American Equal Rights Association in 1866, advocating for the rights of women and African Americans. Despite the progress made since the 19th century, Stanton's work highlights ongoing challenges, such as the denial of voting rights and employment opportunities, and the perpetuation of dependency systems. Women, born equal to men, deserve the same rights to vote, speak, and work. The movement for gender equality continues to address these issues to ensure that women are no longer silenced or subordinated by societal structures.

References

Nolo. (2023). He has never permitted her to exercise her inalienable right to the elective franchise. Retrieved from [Nolo website link]

Stanton, E. C. (1848). Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions. Seneca Falls Convention.

Tembo, V. (2023). Gender equality and women’s empowerment in the EU. Retrieved from [LinkedIn article link]