1920's Cultural Website

Women have faced a very long journey in their fight for equality. The Olympics are a world renowned competition of athletic events and have both men and women participants, but it wasn’t always like that. Women’s first appearance in the Olympics was in the 1900 games in Paris in lawn tennis and golf, not every physically demanding sports. Prior to the 1928 Olympics, women were also allowed to engage in the equestrian games (horseback riding). The 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam, Netherlands was a milestone in the journey for women’s equality. It was the first time that women actively were a part of the Olympics in the gymnastics and track and field events. Even though they were only allowed two physical sports, it was a major improvement and symbolized women’s progression. Women participated in the 800m in Amsterdam but once they finished a lot of the participants collapsed resulting in the temporary elimination of the event. Men didn’t want women in the Olympics at all because they felt less masculine and they felt as if it would affect the women’s reproductive system and not allow them to bear children. Even though they faced many obstacles, being a part of the Olympics was one step closer to the equality women deserve.