A growing body of evidence demonstrates that improvements in the status of women and girls ¿ however worthy and important in their own right ¿ also drive the prosperity, stability and security of families, communities and nations. Yet despite many indicators of progress, women and girls everywhere ¿ including countries of the developed world ¿ continue to confront barriers to their full and equal participation in social, economic and political life.

Capturing voices and experiences from around the world, this work documents the modern history of the global women¿s movement and its many accomplishments. Drawing together prominent pioneers in the global women¿s movement, the chapters will interrogate where and why progress has met resistance and been slowed, examining the still unfinished agenda for change in national and international policy arenas. This history and roadmap are especially critical for younger generations who need a better understanding of this rich feminist legacy and the intense opposition that women¿s movements have generated.