1970-1979 (Women)
1972
Shirley Chisholm


Shirley Chisholm, an African-American member of Congress runs for President of the U.S.

1972
Katherine Graham


Katherine Graham of the Washington Post becomes the first woman CEO of a Fortune 500 Co.

1972
ACLU Women’s Rights Project

Ruth Bader Ginsburg founds the Women’s Rights Project (WRP) of the ACLU, focused on assisting and empowering poor women, women of color, and immigrant women who historically have been victimized by gender bias. WRP pushes for change and systematic reform of institutions that perpetuate discrimination against women.

1972
The Equal Rights Amendment approved

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) wins congressional approval as the 27th Amendment, 49 years after it was introduced.

1972
Title IX

Title IX-requires schools receiving funds to provide equal access to educational programs for women and men.

1973
Roe v. Wade

Establishes women’s right to safe abortion.

1974
Coalition of Labor Union Women

The Coalition of Labor Union Women is founded as America’s only national organization for union women.

1974
Women Housing Discrimination Prohibited

Congress prohibits housing discrimination against women

1974
Equal Education Opportunity Act Passed

Congress passes the Equal Education Opportunity Act prohibiting discrimination based on race, color or national origin, and calling school districts to “take action” on language barriers that impede education, making bilingual education more widely available in public schools.

1974
Thelma Buchholdt

Thelma Buchholdt becomes the first Filipino American legislator in the Alaska House of Representatives.

1976
Women's Employment Benefits

Women’s Right to employment benefits during the last 3 months of pregnancy.

1976
Barbara Jordan

Texas Congresswoman, Barbara Jordan becomes the first African-American woman to deliver the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention.

1978
Pregnancy Discrimination Act

Bars employment discrimination against pregnant women

1978
Kircherg v. Feinstra

Kircherg v. Feinstra overturns state laws designating husband “Head & Master.”

1979
Hazel Johnson

Hazel Johnson becomes the first African-American woman promoted to the rank of General in the U.S. Army.