During the first half of the 1800s women began to participate in the revolution of the world, whether in the form of protests, strikes, or by receiving higher education. Having to overcome numerous obstacles and discrimination from colleagues and enemies, they have always managed to find the solution for a better present and future. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The woman of the 1800s who faced barriers, but created opportunities for women who were not allowed or could not receive an education was Elizabeth Blackwell. Inspired by her dying friend who said "her ordeal would have been better if she had had a female doctor." There were few medical colleges available and none that accepted women, but that didn't stop her either as she retreated to the families of two Southern doctors who mentored her. The question that might be confusing is how did she get into college if schools didn't want women to do it? joint? Well, the normal way anyone would have found out, through an acceptance letter, but the Geneva college thought they were comedians because they sent it to Blackwell as a practical joke and ended up looking like clowns. After being “accepted,” Elizabeth faced discrimination and many obstacles. For example, “professors forced her to sit separately in lectures and often excluded her from laboratories; local citizens shunned her, calling her a “bad” woman for defying her gender role.” Despite all the controversy, Blackwell carried on and graduated first in her class in 1849 and earned the respect of those around her. Continuing her training she would point out the problems with male doctors who were causing epidemics. Facing more discrimination because if you were a female doctor that meant she wouldn't have as many patients as a male doctor, so Elizabeth returned to New York City in 1857 not in desperation but with more strength because with the help of her Quaker friends she opened a small clinic that treated poor women. She later opened an infirmary in New York for women and children that consisted of providing positions for women doctors and training nurses for union hospitals before opening a medical school in 1868 and founding the National Health Society. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom article now from our expert writers. Get a Custom Essay To conclude, during the first half of the 1800s women were very limited in what they could and could not do, but when they got tired of the balls and shackles of injustice they found ways to escape those gender norms and gain rights not only for themselves in the present, but for everyone around them and for generations to come.