1964

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act bars discrimination in employment on the basis of race and sex. At the same time it establishes the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to investigate complaints and impose penalties.

1965

In Griswold v. Connecticut, the Supreme Court strikes down the one remaining state law prohibiting the use of contraceptives by married couples.

1966

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is founded by a group of feminists including Betty Friedan. The largest women's rights group in the U.S., NOW seeks to end sexual discrimination, especially in the workplace, by means of legislative lobbying, litigation, and public demonstrations.

1967

The EEOC rules that sex-segregated help wanted ads in newspapers are illegal. This ruling is upheld in 1973 by the Supreme Court, opening the way for women to apply for higher-paying jobs hitherto open only to men.

Muriel Siebert  is the First woman to own seat on the New York Stock Exchange

1968

The EEOC rules that sex-segregated help wanted ads in newspapers are illegal. This ruling is upheld in 1973 by the Supreme Court, opening the way for women to apply for higher-paying jobs hitherto open only to men.

1972

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification. Originally drafted by Alice Paul in 1923, the amendment reads: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." The amendment died in 1982 when it failed to achieve ratification by a minimum of 38 states.

 In Eisenstadt v. Baird the Supreme Court rules that the right to privacy includes an unmarried person's right to use contraceptives.

 Title IX of the Education Amendments bans sex discrimination in schools. It states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." As a result of Title IX, the enrollment of women in athletics programs and professional schools increases dramatically.

1973

As a result of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court establishes a woman's right to safe and legal abortion, overriding the anti-abortion laws of many states.

1978

First woman to be named major general in U.S. Army (Mary Clarke) and First woman governor to be re-elected (Connecticut – Ella Grasso)

1981

First woman a justice of the U. S. Supreme Court (Sandra Day O'Connor)

1983

First American woman to reach outer space (Sally Kristen Ride)

1985

First woman police chief of major U. S. city (Portland, OR) - Penny Harrington

1995

First American woman to pilot a Space Shuttle

1996

First American woman to pilot a Space Shuttle Lt. Col. Eileen Collins

1997

First woman Secretary of State and highest ranking woman in the U.S. government Madeleine K. Albright

2000

Only First Lady ever elected to the United States Senate  - Hillary Rodham Clinton

2002

First African-American woman to win a Best Actress Oscar - Halle Berry

2005

First African-American woman to be appointed Secretary of State – Condeleza Rice

2007

First woman to become Speaker of the House – Nancy Pelosi