Women's Equality Day: America's Gender Equality History

First celebrated in 1971 and designated by Congress in 1973, Women's Equality Day is August 26th. It commemorates the day in 1920 when Bainbridge Colby, then-Secretary of State, certified the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, granting women in the United States the right to vote. It's a big deal to us at EventBuilder! We are, as a women-owned and led company, standing on the shoulders of the brave women who fought for their equality. Let's give them their due! 

The Dawn of the Women's Suffrage Movement

Some quick facts about the origin of the fight to grant women the right to vote in the United States: 

• In 1848, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and noted abolitionist Lucretia Mott held the first Women's Rights convention at Seneca Falls, New York. There, she authored The Declaration of Sentiments, which included statements that touched on women's disenfranchisement from voting, civil representation, property ownership, earned wages, a college education, child custody/guardianship in the case of divorce, and more. It was definitely a strong opener for what would grow to become America's Women's Suffrage Movement.
• Starting in January 1917, the National Women's Party, led by Alice Paul, organized a daily protest at the White House. Known as the "Silent Sentinels," the women stood outside the White House gates holding banners asking Woodrow Wilson to support women's right to vote. Because the U.S. had just entered World War I, the women faced harsh criticism, were called unpatriotic for their civil disobedience during wartime, and eventually faced arrest for "obstructing traffic."  Called The Night of Terror,  on November 14th, 1917, 33 women were sent to the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia; they were beaten, shackled, housed in filthy conditions, denied counsel, and when they embarked on a hunger strike, were force-fed rotten food, all under the guise of "teaching them a lesson." 
• Word of their horrible treatment got out, public pressure began to mount, and the tide began to turn. In early 1918, the D.C. Court of Appeals ruled that the women had been illegally arrested, convicted, and imprisoned. Eventually bowing to the increasing to public pressure, President Wilson soon reversed course and came out in support of women's suffrage in 1918. 
• The 19th Amendment finally gained enough support for its passage, ratification, and official certification on August 26th, 1920. 

The day not only honors the Amendment's enactment but also serves as a reflection point on the struggles and triumphs of those who fought tirelessly for women's suffrage. Their courage laid the groundwork for future generations to continue advocating for equal rights across all areas of society.

The 19th Amendment didn't grant all American women the right to vote. For American women of color, the fight for voting rights continued and were obtained later throughout the 20th century:

• Native American women: 1924
• Chinese American women: 1943
• Japanese and other Asian American women: 1952
• Black and African American women: Despite their early and enthusiastic support of women's suffrage, Black and African American women's voting rights were not fully and unequivocally granted to them until the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965.

The Women's Movement Marches Forward

From that first Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, the ratification of the 19th Amendment was a big leap forward, but there were still battles to be fought and won to continue paving the road to equality. Pivotal legislation moving gender equality forward include the 1963 Equal Pay Act, addressing wage disparity based on gender, the establishment of Title IX in 1972,  prohibiting sex-based discrimination in any school or education program receiving federal funding, and the introduction of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, strengthening legal protections for women against domestic violence and sexual assault. Each milestone represents a hard-won victory.

Women Who Paved the Way for Gender Equality

The path toward gender equality has been shaped by the determination of trailblazing women. In addition to Elizabeth Cady Stanton, notable women's equality vanguards include Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Ida Barnett-Wells , and Alice Paul. They all stand as icons of the suffrage movement, and their relentless advocacy for women's rights has inspired countless others to take up the cause.

Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Sojourner Truth

In more recent history, leaders like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who fought for women's rights in the courtroom,  and Malala Yousafzai, who advocates for girls' education, exemplify the enduring spirit of activism necessary to challenge gender biases and promote equality. 

"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." ~Ruth Bader Ginsberg

The Impact of Legislation on Women's Rights

Legislative progress has been a driving force in advancing women's rights. Laws like the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009,  which addressed wage discrimination, have been essential in providing legal recourse and protection for women. Each piece of legislation contributes to a society where women can pursue opportunities free from discrimination.

However, the journey is far from over. Current discussions on matters like paid family leave, reproductive rights, and protection against workplace harassment underscore the ongoing need for legislative action to secure full equality.

"You Can't Be What You Can't See"

While women have made great strides forward in many professions, there is more work to be done. Women make up 46% of the United States workforce, but represent only 28% of the workforce employed in STEM careers. The latest data shows that roughly 27.6% of the technology workforce identify as female, and roughly 17% of technology companies currently have a woman serving as CEO. EventBuilder is proud to be among them to represent and model what's possible for women in generations to come.

Looking Forward: The Future of Gender Equality

As we celebrate Women's Equality Day and acknowledge those that blazed the trail, it's important we also turn our attention to the road ahead. The future of gender equality depends on continued advocacy, education, and policy reform, and requires the collective effort of all genders working together to forge a world where equality is not just an aspiration but a reality for every individual.

Let's engage in conversations, participate in community actions, and support policies that further the cause of gender equality. By doing so, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and build a more equitable world for the generations to follow.

Kamala Harris as Vice President and Her Historic Run for President of the United States

Kamala Harris' election as Vice President marked a remarkable achievement in the history of women's rights, shattering a glass ceiling that had persisted in American politics. As the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President, her ascent to this high office underscores the progress made in the fight for gender equality.

Harris's candidacy for President of the United States continues to inspire women and girls to reach for the highest echelons of leadership, demonstrating that gender should not be a barrier to the realization of one's ambitions and capabilities. At EventBuilder, we whole heartedly support the election of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Please "do something" and join us by donating to the Harris-Walz campaign. Let's make history together!