Women’s rights and responsibilities have changed a lot between the 19th and 20 th centuries.
19 th century scenario:- 

Society/ Rights – European and American women in the nineteenth century lived in an age characterized by gender inequality. At the beginning of the century, women enjoyed few of the legal, social, or political rights that are now taken for granted in western countries: they could not vote, could not sue or be sued, could not testify in court, had extremely limited control over personal property after marriage, were rarely granted legal custody of their children in cases of divorce, and were barred from institutions of higher education. Women were expected to remain subservient to their fathers and husbands.

Occupation – Their occupational choices were also extremely limited. Middle- and upper-class women generally remained home, caring for their children and running the household. Lower-class women often did work outside the home, but usually as poorly-paid domestic servants or laborers in factories and mills.

20 th century scenario:- 

Society/Rights -The 20th century was not only a period of technological improvements but a period of social reform that has changed the standard of living. During the 20th century women gained equal rights with men. Technological and economic changes made it inevitable that women would be given the same rights as men.

Occupation-More occupations were opened to women during the 20th century.Women played a vital role in Britain during the Second World War. In 1963 in the USA an Equal Pay Act compelled employers to pay men and women the same amount for doing the same job.

Dresses – In 1900 women wore long dresses. It was not acceptable for women to show their legs. From 1910 women wore hobble skirts. They were so narrow women could only ‘hobble’ along while wearing them. However, during World War I clothes for women became more practical. However in 1965, Mary Quant invented the mini skirt and clothes became even more informal.