The abolitionist movement began in the 1830s, with the main aim of ending slavery in the United States and England, but greatly helped women to realize their rights. Although not all women participated in the fight to end slavery, many were involved. The abolitionist women movement was made up of free black women in the north, the Quaker women, and other like-minded women. Slaves were blacks which was due to the segregation of color (Robert). Involvement of such women as Harriet Tubman, Lucretia Mott, and Grimke sisters in abolitionism made them realize they were under oppression and increased their action to end slavery and champion for their rights. For example, the Grimke sisters were the first women to be hired as antislavery agents by the liberator (Bessler). Women started understanding their capability of participating in public life and this greatly helped in the formation of the women’s movements. Emergence of the churches brought the women together which encouraged charity work, and later more women shared on how to fight for their rights.
Most of the women having abolitionists were supported by their fathers and husbands and other reform-minded family members. Support from immediate family members helped in steering the rights of women agenda to the society and political space. Additionally, as Sojourner Truth stated, the colored men were championing for their rights and this greatly encouraged women to join them, to get freedom together. Women having the antislavery experience which included social ostracism, persecution, and support of news viewers greatly helped in the struggle to bring women together (Dvořáková). As many women came together, it became easier to fight for their rights. Over time, local auxiliaries to united societies also helped women in sparking the rights’ movement. On the other hand, women such as Sarah Grimke and Angelina Grimke demands on equal education, equal pay, and ownership of property helped women realize about their rights in the societal life. The 1838 letter about the equality of the sexes and women’s condition that demanded women to be treated equality was a great landmark to the fight for women rights (Sarah).
Furthermore, a new realm of opposed women resulted in the realization of the political needs and rights of the women. Therefore, women started participating in the political and economics. Grimkey sisters, for example, stood against the abolition of women groups even in the face of men (Urbaniak & Mooketsi). Such bravery helped in ensuring that women were not only subject to the laws, but also participated in the law formation. The tyranny that was formed against women by men was also fading (Needell). Additionally, women started getting privileges such as voting rights, citizenship rights, legislative representation, right to own property that were solely enjoyed by men. Declaration of Sentiment was key in enhancing as it made it clear that women should be given their rights as citizens of the United States (Stanton). These gains motivated women to fight together with the aim of getting their rights.
In conclusion, although the fight for social justice, end of slavery and fight for right for women was complex, women greatly gained courage to champion for their rights (Lehoucq). Women such as Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady and Grimke sisters, contributed in championing for the rights of women even through the conferences such as the Woman’s Convention at the Falls of Seneca. Churches and other congregative avenues were also used.
Works Cited
Bessler, John D. “The Abolitionist Movement Comes of Age: From Capital Punishment as Lawful Sanction to a Peremptory, International Law Norm Barring Executions.” Mont. L. Rev.79 (2018): 7.
Dvořáková, Irena. “Tensions within the Abolitionist Movement in the United States of America.” (2017).
Lehoucq, Fabrice. “Brazilian Abolition-The Sacred Cause: The Abolitionist Movement, Afro-Brazilian Mobilization, and Imperial Politics in Rio de Janeiro. By Jeffrey D. Needell. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2020. Pp. xvii, 361. Notes. Illustrations. Bibliography. Index. $75.00 cloth.” The Americas: 7-8.
Needell, Jeffrey D. “The abolitionist movement of 1879-1888. Lessons from a popular reform movement.” (2021).
Robert, Smith. “The Abolitionist Movement.” YouTube, commentary by Montpelier.org. 2016, Web.
Grimké, Sarah Moore. Letters on the Equality of the Sexes, and the Condition of Woman: Addressed to Mary S. Parker, President of the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society. I. Knapp, 1838.
Stanton, Elizabeth Cady. “Declaration of sentiments.” (2002).
Urbaniak, Jakub, and Mooketsi Motsisi. “The impact of the “fear of God” on the British abolitionist movement.” Journal for the History of Modern Theology/Zeitschrift für Neuere Theologiegeschichte 26.2 (2019): 26-52.