Women’s Equality Day – August 26, 2022

 

Women’s Equality Day commemorates 26th August 1920 when votes to women officially
became part of the US constitution. This day marks a turning point in the history of the struggle for equal treatment of women and women’s rights.

Learn about National Women’s Equality Day

The purpose of National Women's Equality Day is to mark the 1920s American adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment. The federal government and states were prohibited by this legislation from restricting people's ability to vote based on their sex. 

When is Women’s Equality Day 2022?

The continuous struggle for women's participation and equality in all spheres of life and society is observed on Women’s Equality Day on August 26.

History of Women’s Equality Day

Every year on August 26, Women's Equality Day honors the achievement of women's
suffrage in the United States and serves as a reminder of the struggles encountered by the courageous women who overcame violence and prejudice to advance the cause of women.

Early in the 19th century, American women organized to seek political rights and representation despite the fact that they often could not inherit property and earned just half as much as males in whatever employment that were available.

As the movement spread over the world in the early 1900s, a number of nations, including Finland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, authorized voting for women. The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was initially proposed in 1878, but it was never widely adopted. Women's suffrage did not eventually receive adequate support until their painfully visible contributions to the World War I fight. Women's rights organizations criticized the hypocrisy of defending democracy abroad while denying it to the majority of Americans at home.

36 states had to ratify the 19th Amendment in order for it to become law since a Constitutional amendment needs the consent of two-thirds of the states. Harry T. Burn, a young state representative from Tennessee, cast the final vote in the legislature, and his mother's pleading for him to approve the amendment influenced his decision (which he switched at the last minute).

Fighting for equal rights is a constant for women. Women's economic power is still impacted by the gender wage gap, and workplaces and commercial dealings are still fraught with discrimination on the basis of gender.

Congress proclaimed August 26 as Women's Equality Day in 1971 to serve as a reminder of the difficulties that still need to be overcome.

Traditions of the Day

Women's Equality Day is all about inspiring and encouraging women and celebrating how
far they have come in overcoming oppression and all difficulties. Common customs include showing thanks to significant female figures in one's life, patronizing locally owned companies managed by women, and celebrating womanhood with your girl squad and special females.

Funds are raised for charities and organizations that support women’s empowerment. Prominent women are featured guest speakers on different virtual and live platforms. 

Success stories are shared on social media under the hashtag #WomensEqualityDay. Issues females face are discussed and solutions and assistance are provided by the online community.

 

How do you celebrate Women’s Equality Day at work?

Ways to celebrate Women’s Equality Day at work include giving cards to the women in your office, taking a moment to acknowledge the hard work they do, and throwing a girls’ night happy hour.

 

Women’s Equality Day Activities

  1. Thank the women in your life 

    We all rely on devoted women, whether they are mothers, grandmothers, spouses, sisters,  or friends. Today, take a moment to express your gratitude for the hard work—both physical and emotional—they put in for others.

  2. Support women-owned companies 

    Use your purchasing power to aid female business owners. On the website of the Small Business Administration or by contacting your neighborhood chamber of commerce, you may locate lists of women-owned businesses.

  3. Register to vote 

    For decades, women and their supporters battled for the right to vote. Make sure you are registered to vote in your town as a way to contribute to honoring their efforts.

 

5 Fascinating Facts About Women In The Military

  1. Women in combat

    Women have long played important non-combat roles in the U.S. military in medical and operational positions, but combat positions were only opened to women in 2013.

  2. Women often fought disguised as men

    In the 1700s and 1800s, particularly during the Civil War, more than a few women enlisted in the army disguised as men.

  3. There is only one female Medal of Honor recipient

    Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a contract surgeon for the Union, spent time as a Confederate POW and was awarded a Medal of Honor for her efforts — to date, she is still the only female recipient of the military's highest award.

  4. Women made important WWII contributions

    More than 400,000 women served in World War II as nurses, pilots, ambulance drivers, and in other important ancillary roles.

  5. Military maternity wear

    Women weren't always allowed to continue serving if they became pregnant but, today, all branches of the military offer maternity uniforms for service members who are expecting.

 

Why We Love Women’s Equality Day

  1. It gives us an opportunity to learn

    On Women's Equality Day, spend some time reviewing women's history and learning about the interesting and complex history of women's rights in the United States and across the world.

  2. It reminds us to show gratitude

    It’s not always easy to remember to thank those who do so much for us. Use Women’s Equality Day as a reminder to do something meaningful for the important women in your life. 

  3. It reminds us of how far we have to go

    Women still encounter professional challenges, domestic abuse, and other hurdles to their well-being and success in the United States and across the world despite significant advancements over the past century and a half.

 

 

 

 

 

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