I.The First Wave of the American Women's Movement Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902)also played an important role at the convention.She was an American social activist. abolitionist and leading figure of the early women's rights movement.The Declaration of Sentiments she presented at the Seneca Falls Convention is often credited with initiating the first organized women's rights and women's suffrage movements in the United StatesI. The First Wave of the American Women’s Movement Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902) also played an important role at the convention. She was an American social activist, abolitionist and leading figure of the early women’s rights movement. The Declaration of Sentiments she presented at the Seneca Falls Convention is often credited with initiating the first organized women's rights and women’s suffrage movements in the United States