Women's suffrage began in the United States in 1848 and women fought for decades to obtain the right to vote. They organized associations, went on strikes, and protested to gain support for their cause. Finally, in 1920 the 19th amendment was passed guaranteeing women the right to vote. However, women's rights have not been equal throughout the world and continue to be an issue today in some nations. Prior to gaining equal rights, women faced discrimination and were restricted to lower paying jobs with less opportunity or respect.