Goals Of Women's Liberation Movement example essay topic

391 words
Traditionally, women were believed to be homemakers and child bearers but this belief was changed after World War II. During the war while there was a shortage of men, women were expected to take on men's jobs at the same time were given freedom and privileges that were only given to men. When the war was over, they were expected to return to there normal roles as housewives, which began the women's liberation movement. The goals of women's liberation movement were to improve women's living standards and lifestyles including education for girls as they were expected to stay home undertaking house chores. Most girls only went to junior high schools where home science and textiles were the major aspects highlighted, and only few went to university. With basic education, the few women in the workforce were given low paid jobs under poor and dangerous conditions.

This initiated the women's liberation movement, which mainly dealt with the issue of inequality in the workforce and in regards to this, their living conditions. It was expected through the women's liberation movement that men would change their views about women as being housewives and disapproval of 'working wife'. They demanded for equal pay for equal work with men, equal choice and opportunities in jobs, better treatment and services for women including childcare facilities. The Australian Industrial Relations Commission granting equal pay for women was the start of women's equal rights in society. The Women's Liberation Movement led by Germaine Greer sent their message out to society by organizing conferences which led to the ACTU Equal Pay Campaign in 1962, and books such as "The Female Eunuch", a famous book in 1970 written by Germaine Greer. Greer wrote the book with the belief that it would encourage women to stand up for their rights and be independent.

This motivated women in organizing meetings which led to street marches, running of political campaigns, and formation of the Women's Electoral Lobby in 1972. Greer also appeared on radio talk-back shows to publicize their goals and led most of the Women's Liberation marches (refer to source 4.1. 3). Links were made with other women from overseas to strengthen the organization and International Woman's Day was celebrated sending messages out to society of women's rights.