5 Ways to Celebrate Women’s Equality Day!

In 1971, at the behest of then-Congresswoman Bella Abzug (D-N.Y.), Congress declared Aug. 26 the first ever Women’s Equality Day. The particular date was chosen to commemorate the final ratification of the 19th amendment—which, in 1920, recognized women’s right to vote—and has been celebrated every year since.

The President gives a proclamation on Aug. 26 each year honoring the significance of the day and placing it in context with the current state of women’s equality. Presidents have discussed the historical significance of the suffrage movement, celebrated laws designed to protect women from discrimination in education and sports programs and outlined specific legislation enacted to protect women from discrimination in the workplace.

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This year marks the 94th anniversary of women securing the right to vote and, as the 43rd Women’s Equality Day, is a day to both commemorate the suffrage movement and to draw attention to the ways in which women are still working toward equality. Join other feminists around the country and celebrate Women’s Equality Day at one of the events listed below!

To learn more about Women’s Equality Day and significant milestones for women since winning suffrage, click here.

Find out more about the day’s events:

Rep. Jackie Speier’s ERA rally

Women’s Intercultural Network’s Beijing conversation

Wisconsin Women’s Network celebration

Women’s Equality Day luncheon in Evansville

Women Organized to Resist and Defend event in New Mexico

 

 

About

Rachel Kassenbrock is a writer who works at the Feminist Majority Foundation and blogs for Ms. Follow her on Twitter at @rkassenbrock.