Her Own Hero: The Origins of the Women's Self-Defense MovementThe surprising roots of the self defense movement and the history of women's empowerment. At the turn of the twentieth century, women famously organized to demand greater social and political freedoms like gaining the right to vote. However, few realize that the Progressive Era also witnessed the birth of the women's self defense movement. It is nearly impossible in today's day and age to imagine a world without the concept of women's self defense.