Introduction

The struggle for equal rights in the United States and internationally is not over. It took organized effort and many years for women to get the vote in America. It takes continued effort to secure other rights such as equal pay or equal opportunity What does it takes to make changes like these in our society?
Are the efforts toward progress in women’s rights similar to other examples in the history of the world that have led to progress in human liberation and freedom? Are there some common themes in these struggles? Are there lessons to be learned from what women have achieved and how they have achieved it? Can these lessons be applied to future struggles that you or others might engage in?

There is a common pattern that emerges in the steps necessary for progress in human rights struggles. The first step is a change in consciousness. Then comes a gathering with other like-minded individuals to learn and plan. Third is a growing understanding of how power works and what is needed in order to effect a change. Finally, these steps take form in bringing about a change in the law which allows more freedom or rights for you and your group, and a change in the society as a whole.
 
Our aim is to help you understand these four ideas about movements for human emancipation and liberation:

A Change in consciousness about yourself and the world around.
(Listen to Ashrawi, Karekezi, Dellums, Hollis.)
Joining up with like-minded people from whom you learn things about the issues that concern you and with whom you organize your group.
(Listen to Gradin, Kritaya, Boulding, Herman.)
Understanding how power works in the world, what it is, how you use it, and how you change the world with it.
(Listen to Anderson.)
Using these steps to make a change in the law.
(Listen to Castells.)