Sexism refers to beliefs about the fundamental nature of women and men and the roles they are expected to play in society. These beliefs can lead to gender stereotypes, which may portray one gender as superior to another.1
Sexist thinking can take different forms:
Conscious and Hostile: Explicit beliefs or behaviors that discriminate against or belittle a gender
Unconscious: Biases or assumptions that influence attitudes and behavior without a person being aware of them
Protective Sexism:Treating women as if they need extra protection or help because they are women
What are the Roots of Sexism?
Sexism does not have one exact starting point that we can point to in history. It developed over a very long time as societies created ideas about what women and men were “supposed” to do. These ideas became part of cultures, traditions, families, laws, and institutions.2
Gender Stereotypes: False ideas about what women and men are naturally good at or should do.
Unequal Power: When one gender has more power of control, the other can face unfair treatment.
Tradition and Culture: Gender roles can be passed from one generation to another until they seem "normal."
Social Systems: Unfair gender ideas can become part of laws, workplaces, schools, and other institutions.
History of the Women's Suffrage Movement
The women's suffrage movement was a long campaign to give women the right to vote and have a greater voice in government. In the United States, an important starting point was the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, where activists publicly demanded greater rights for women, including the right to vote.2
1848 -- Seneca Falls Convention: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and other activists organized the first major women's rights convention in the United States. They created the Declaration of Sentiments, which called for greater equality and voting rights.
1800s -- Growing movement: Activists gave speeches, organized meetings, wrote articles, and petitioned lawmakers. Leaders such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, and Lucretia Mott became important voices in the movement.
Early 1900s -- More Activism: Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, and Carrie Chapman Catt helped push the movement forward through organizing and campaigning for voting rights.
1920s -- Major Victory: The 19th Amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920, protecting women's right to vote under the U.S. Constitution.⁴ However, many women—especially Black and Native American women—still faced barriers to voting after 1920.
Prominent Rights Leaders
Elizabeth Cady Stanton helped organize the Seneca Falls Convention and campaigned for women's equality
Susan B. Anthony spent decades organizing and campaigning for women's voting rights.
Sojourner Truth fought for both women's rights and the rights of African Americans.
Alice Paul used large demonstrations and other forms of activism to push for a constitutional amendment.
Ida B. Wells fought for women's voting rights while also campaigning against racial injustice.
How does Sexism affect Women today?
Sexism can still affect women in work, politics, and other parts of society. It can create unfair differences in pay, opportunities, and representation.
Gender Wage Gaps
Gender Wage Gap: Women, on average, earn less than men. In the U.S., women working full-time, year-round earned about 84 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2022.
Job stereotypes: Women are more likely to work in certain lower-paid jobs, while men are more common in some higher-paid fields. These patterns can contribute to the wage gap.
Women of color: The wage gap is often even larger for Black and Hispanic women because gender and racial inequality can overlap.
Systemic Inequality in Government
Women are still underrepresented in government. In 2026, women held one-third or fewer of elected positions at the local, state, and federal levels in the U.S.
This matters because people in government make decisions about laws, education, healthcare, workplaces, and other important issues. Having more women in leadership can help ensure that different experiences and perspectives are represented.
What is being done today to combat sexism?
Today, governments, organizations, schools, and workplaces are working to reduce discrimination and create more equal opportunities for women and girls.
Laws protect against discrimination:In the U.S., laws prohibit sex discrimination in areas such as hiring, pay, promotions, and education.
Equal pay: Government agencies investigate cases where women are paid less than men for similar work. For example, in 2026, the EEOC took legal action in several cases involving alleged pay discrimination against women.
Education and awareness: Organizations work to teach people about gender stereotypes, discrimination, and unfair treatment so these problems can be recognized and challenged.
More women in leadership: International organizations support policies that increase women's participation in government, leadership, science, technology, and other fields.
Better laws and policies: Countries are creating and improving laws and policies that protect women's rights and address issues such as equal pay, discrimination, and violence against women.