Women's Rights: Then vs Now
How has society changed for women? Year 9 History Exploring change, continuity and impact
Hook: Think About Today
What opportunities do women have today that didn't exist in the past? Think about work, education, politics, sports, family life... Share your ideas with a partner
Learning Objectives
Describe reforms connected to women's rights Explain how social movements influenced change Identify impacts on society Success Criteria: You will be able to compare 'then vs now' and explain at least one major change
Key Areas of Change
Equal Pay Movement - fighting for fair wages Access to Work - breaking down job barriers Education - from basic literacy to university access Legal Rights - voting, property ownership, family law
Timeline: Women's Rights Milestones
Core Task: Then vs Now Comparison
Create a comparison table with three areas: 1. WORK - What jobs were available then vs now? 2. RIGHTS - What legal rights existed then vs now? 3. EDUCATION - What education was available then vs now? Work in pairs - 20 minutes
Work: Then vs Now
{"left":"THEN: Limited to teaching, nursing, domestic work\nTHEN: Marriage often meant leaving work\nTHEN: Unequal pay was legal and normal\nTHEN: Many professions completely closed to women","right":"NOW: All careers legally open to women\nNOW: Equal pay legislation exists\nNOW: Women in leadership roles\nNOW: Maternity leave and workplace flexibility"}
Continuity Thinking
What hasn't fully changed yet? Are there still challenges women face today? Think about: leadership roles, pay gaps, work-life balance, representation in politics Discuss with your table group
Source Analysis Task
Choose ONE historical source to analyze: • 1950s advertisement showing women's 'proper' role • Suffragette protest photograph • Modern workplace diversity poster Answer: What does this source tell us about women's rights at the time?
Exit Task: Major Change
Choose ONE major change in women's rights Explain: • What changed? • Why was this change important? • What impact did it have on society? Write 3-4 sentences on your exit ticket