Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions
The July 1848 Seneca Falls Convention spearheaded the attainment of the first women rights forum in the history of the United States of America. Over 300 men and women showed up at Seneca Falls convention in New York to protest the oppression and maltreatment meted upon women in political, social, economic, and religious circles. Women had remained a disadvantaged lot in a society where men controlled all key sectors of the economy and leadership in all aspects socially, politically, and economically. Women had limited opportunities, if any, to flourish in positions of leadership largely dominated by their male counterparts (Elizabeth & Suzan 2012). Hence, American women with the help of a few gender sensitive and like-minded men expressed their reservations about this trend, leading to holding of one of the highly publicized conventions in the history of the United States.
The convention detailed a mixture of problems (usurpations and injuries) that men harshly and hardheartedly inflicted upon women even after the country had attained its self-rule. Women saw the need for the government and various institutions to put in place effective structures to pave way for women to participate fully in the electoral process and matters regarding leadership. The women also saw the need to allow women to enjoy the rights as well as privileges that men possessed (Elizabeth & Suzan 2012. The outcome of Seneca Fall Convention was the declaration of sentiments and resolutions that ultimately paved way for women to have a proper and organized movement. Many local and national organizations that fight for women rights sprung up. The gathering declared obsolete all laws that put women in an inferior position as well as dictating the kind of roles women undertake relative to men, a gross breach of the precept of nature. It also acknowledged the realism that a woman is equal to a man, as The Creator intended. Therefore, the society has no credible reason to impose sanctions on women particularly on matters of leadership and exercising democratic rights. They also saw the need to enlighten and sensitize the public, especially women, about the importance of changing the laws of the country, which were prejudiced and discriminatory (Elizabeth & Suzan 2012).
The convention also resolved that the delicacy, refinement, and virtue of behavior required of women should in fact apply to their male counterparts too, who for a long period seemed immune to legal action or rules of behavior meted upon women. The declaration of the convention would see women decide their destiny through active participation in electoral processes. Women would accordingly secure right to vote during elections in the United States. The conference cited the history of humanity as one awash with repeated usurpations and injuries meted upon women by men. It further highlighted failure on the part of men to permit women to exercise their fundamental rights. After compromising her rights, she lacks power to influence the elective franchise, leading to underrepresentation of women in areas of leadership. Women found it difficult to question the integrity of men who cling to leadership positions or hold them accountable in every deed. He has denied her the opportunity to enjoy social amenities including access to advanced learning. Women who attended the convention had reservations as to the tangible reason, if any, which made men, feel women are subordinate in churches. The explanation was that apostolic authority allegedly demanded her exclusion from the ministry. As part of the resolutions, women were to secure their sacred right to participate fully in electoral process. The convention also pointed out to the assortment of successes of humankind courtesy of the untiring and zealous efforts of men and women, a reality that society had overlooked for a long time (Elizabeth & Suzan 2012).
Works Cited
A world of ideas. (2012, Nov 01). The Sun. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1124800342?accountid=35812
Elizabeth Cady & Suzan Anthony (2012). World of Ideas: Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions. State University of New Jersey, August, 2010
http://ecssba.rutgers.edu/docs/seneca.html
