Women’s Equality Day
Women’s Equality Day is celebrated every year in the United States on 26th August. This day celebrates the adoption of the 19th amendment to the constitution of the United States. According to this amendment, the states and the federal government cannot deny the right to vote to any country citizen based on their gender. This amendment was first introduced in 1878 by the NWSA. After years of debate, it finally went to the floor of Congress in 1886 but was defeated. It took another 34 years, and then a new amendment was made to Congress. Many new states had joined the Union, and their constitutions included rights for women, such as the right to vote that states before then never had. The introduction of this amendment resulted in Civil Disobedience, and after much contemplation, Congress passed the amendment.
Women’s Equality Day was celebrated for the first time in 1973. This day is proclaimed every year by the President of the United States of America.
History of This Day
In 1920 the Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the proclamation granting American women the constitutional right to vote. However, this in no way gave women the equal treatment they deserved. Protests demanding equal rights for women continued over the years, and in 1970, around 100,000 women gathered all across the country for the Women’s Strike for Equality.
This year marked the 50th anniversary of adopting the nineteenth amendment to the constitution of the United States of America. This protest was sponsored by the NOW (National Organisation for Women) and was led by its first president, Betty Friedan. She was an American feminist writer and activist and was a leading figure in this movement. At that time, this was the largest gathering on behalf of women.
The primary goals of the protest were:
1. Free abortion on demand
2. Equal opportunity in the workforce
3. Free childcare
The protest also focused on equality in education, employment, and childcare.
The fight for equal rights continued. The Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 further provided women an equal opportunity in the Federal Government. In 1973 Congresswoman Bella Abzug of New York introduced a resolution to designate 26th August as Women’s Equality Day. The President of the United States, Richard Nixon, declared the day and urged everyone to use this occasion to reflect on the importance of equal rights for women. He also mentioned that “the cause of equal rights and opportunities for women is inseparable from the cause of human dignity and equal justice for all.”
In 2016, President Obama gave a speech on the occasion of Women’s Equality Day and said, “Today, as we celebrate the anniversary of this hard-won achievement and pay tribute to the trailblazers and suffragists who moved us closer to a more just and prosperous future, we resolve to protect this constitutional right and pledge to continue fighting for equality for women and girls.” Read his full speech here.
How to Celebrate This Day
Celebrate this day by reading and educating yourself about the women’s civil rights movement and the 19th Amendment. Spread information with your friends and family and increase awareness about women’s equality. You can use the hashtag #WomensEqualityDay.
Learn about female leaders and pay tribute to the amazing women who made a massive difference in this movement. You can even write a thank you letter to an influential woman in your life.
If you are above 18 years of age, then make sure to register yourself to vote if you haven’t already. All women must exercise this constitutional right. You can even donate to causes that support women's equality. There are multiple women’s museums that you can visit. However, since we are in the middle of a pandemic, we should stay at home and maintain social distancing.
You can even celebrate this day and make a huge difference with just a few clicks. Sign this petition on change.org. This petition aims to declare Women’s Equality Day(26th August) as a federal holiday. This is necessary because this day is of great significance and has great historical relevance, but many don’t know it exists.
Today women have much more say in decision-making and exercise many more rights than they did decades ago. However, we still have a long way to go, and a lot of work needs to be done. So please don’t stop fighting for your rights because women deserve equal opportunities, equal pay, and equal recognition for their hard work, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
