7 shocking things women used to be banned from doing until recently
Throughout history, women have faced barriers and restrictions in various aspects of life.
Imagine a time when girls couldn’t go to school, where women couldn’t vote, or even where they couldn’t open a bank account!
Believe it or not, these were all things that women in many countries, including some parts of Africa, were banned from doing not too long ago. Thankfully, times have changed, and today, women are achieving great things in all walks of life.
But it’s important to remember the struggles women faced in the past. These stories show us just how far we’ve come, and how important it is to keep fighting for equality for everyone.
1. Getting an education
For many years, girls were discouraged or even forbidden from going to school. Education was seen as something only boys needed. This meant that women grew up without the knowledge and skills they needed to succeed in life. Thankfully, in most places today, girls are just as encouraged to go to school as boys. In fact, in many African countries, girls are now even surpassing boys in school enrollment rates! This is a huge step forward, and it opens up a world of possibilities for young women.
2. Owning property and businesses
Can you imagine not being able to own your own house or shop? In the past, women in many cultures were not allowed to own property or businesses. This meant that they were financially dependent on men, even their husbands or fathers. Today, women can buy and sell land, houses, and businesses just like men can. This financial independence gives women a lot more control over their lives and allows them to contribute more to their families and communities.
For many years, sports were seen as a man’s domain. Women were discouraged or even forbidden from participating in sports. Women were first allowed to compete in the Olympics in 1900, but they were limited to just five sports.
It took many years for women to be accepted into a wider variety of Olympic events. Today, women compete in almost every sport, with the International Olympic Committee actively promoting gender equality in the Games.