What role did women play in the Civil Rights Movement?

Many women played important roles in the Civil Rights Movement, from leading local civil rights organizations to serving as lawyers on school segregation lawsuits. ... read more

Many women experienced gender discrimination and sexual harassment within the movement and later turned towards the feminist movement in the 1970s. The Civil Rights History Project interviews with participants in the struggle include both expressions of pride in women’s achievements and also candid assessments about the difficulties they faced within the movement. read more

Baker set a good example for women and teenagers during the Civil Rights movement and strengthened their resolution to fight for their own rights (Aldon 5). There is also a very important black woman called Septima Clark who sacrificed a lot during the movement. read more

But scan historical images of the most dramatic moments of the civil rights movement — protesters blasted by fire hoses and dogs lunging at blacks — and women and girls are everywhere. There is a 1964 image of Mississippi beautician Vera Piggy styling hair and educating her customers on voter registration. read more