Rights for Women and Indigenous People Come From Political and Social Struggles

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CONTENT STATEMENT

Political and social struggles have resulted in expanded rights and freedoms for women and indigenous people.

CONTENT ELABORATION

During the second half of the 20th century, human rights organizations and the media fueled the impetus for the expansions of rights and freedoms for women and indigenous people.

In spite of resistance in many countries, governments were also pressured to end discriminatory practices and violence against women and indigenous people in developing nations. The struggle for the rights of women and indigenous people compelled more countries to extend opportunities for all to participate in society in the following ways:

  • politically;
  • educationally;
  • economically; and
  • socially.

The ending of apartheid in South Africa provided blacks the rights they had been denied. This was the result of political pressure within and outside the country.

International pressure to change did not lead to immediate or universal change for women or indigenous people in some areas of the world where they are still fighting for these changes.

EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING

Analyze how achievements in the domain of women’s rights in industrialized nations spurred increased opportunities for women throughout the world.

Explain how governments have changed their policies regarding women’s rights and indigenous people.

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