As a gainfully employed gal in today's modern society, I know I have a long line of brave women who fought to make that a possibility back in the day.
Though we're still definitely fighting for equality in a few areas of the workplace, we have come a very long way. Women were traditionally expected to remain in their homes as housewives and mothers, and while there's absolutely nothing wrong with choosing to take on those roles, it's certainly nice to have more options as well.
I knew that it was difficult for women in the past to make their voices heard, but I had no idea just how many jobs they were completely shut out from even attempting, until someone finally stood up against those trying to hold us back.
Did we miss any jobs you know were impossible for ladies to hold in the past? Let us know in the comments and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
1. School Teacher
Classrooms were instructed only by male teachers until a drastic shortage in the mid-1800s made hiring women the only option. Even then, they received one-third the salary of men.
2. Politician
They couldn't even vote, much less attempt to climb any political ladder. The first female congresswoman to make that change was Jeanette Rankin in 1917.
3. Lawyer
Not only were they rarely admitted into universities, but if they managed to be accepted and pass every test with flying colors, they were often still banned from actually practicing.
4. Soldier
Brave women like Frances Clayton were so determined to enter the front lines of the Civil War that they would dress as men to fight incognito. It wasn't until 1948 when women were admitted in special assignment roles, and only recently that they were allowed to join the front line of combat.
5. Train Conductor
When steam engines became the newest form of speedy transportation, not only were women never considered for the job of steering one, but were actually warned not to ride on ones going faster than 50 miles per hour. There were claims, as ridiculous as it sounds, that their uteruses might fly out of their bodies.
6. Chauffeur
Or any occupation that involved driving, for that matter. Despite the booming automobile industry beginning in the 1800s, women were not seen as fit to sit behind the wheel.
In some parts of the country, you can actually still find ridiculous laws on the books that claim female drivers must have a man in the passenger seat or walking in front of the vehicle as a flagger. They're obviously mostly ignored, at this point.
7. Blacksmith
This highly volatile vocation was popular during the Industrial Revolution, but was deemed too dangerous for ladies. If they wanted to create something, they were pointed to a sewing machine.
8. News Reporter
A few females were allowed at certain publications, but they were usually relegated to the society and gossip pages until they began their fight for the chance to write more serious articles in the 1900s.
9. Factory Assembly Line Worker
It wasn't until World War II that the absence of men inspired the call for women factory workers, with many of them returning to their role as housewife after the war was over.
Did we miss any from our list? Please be sure to SHARE with family and friends on Facebook!
