In the United States, August 26 has been designated as Women’s Equality Day every year since 1971. It honours the progress women have achieved towards gender equality. To commemorate the day, a lot of businesses, libraries, and workplaces host activities and programs. A proposal to declare Women’s Equality Day a national holiday of celebration has been put out for local councils, neighbourhood associations, government organisations, businesses, and military installations. A commanding officer or other elected authority shall sign the resolution.
History of Women’s Equality Day
- The National Organisation for Women (NOW) called on women to participate in a national “strike for equality” on August 26, 1970, to protest for equal rights.
- Gender equality protests in over 90 major cities and villages saw over 100,000 women participate, making it the biggest in US history.
- Fifty thousand women marched down Fifth Avenue in New York City to promote equal rights for women and to demand access to 24-hour child care facilities. Although there was no quick change as a result of the walkout, it did show how widely supported women’s rights are.
- The Equal Rights Amendment was passed by Congress in 1971–1972, thanks in part to the journalistic coverage that brought attention to the feminist movement.
- In honour of the passage of the 19th Amendment and to draw attention to the ongoing efforts of women to attain full equality, Congress declared August 26 to be Women’s Equality Day in 1971.
- Since then, August 26 has been declared annually as Women’s Equality Day by every president save Richard Nixon.
Traditions of the Day
Women’s Equality Day is a day to honour and strengthen women by honouring their achievements and resistance against discrimination. It includes thanking powerful women in the community, endorsing female-owned companies, and honouring women. There are guest speakers who are notable women and fundraisers for charities and groups that promote women’s empowerment. Using the hashtag #WomensEqualityDay, success stories are posted on social media, and the online community offers advice and support.
Women’s Equality Day Activities
Express gratitude to the diligent ladies in your life for their mental and physical labour. Use your purchasing power to support women-owned businesses. You may also locate lists of these businesses on the websites of local chambers of commerce and the Small Business Administration. To commemorate the sacrifices made by women and their supporters in the fight for the right to vote, register to vote. Remind yourself to value the effort and commitment that women have made in our lives.
Conclusion
In the US, Women’s Equality Day 2024 honours the strides achieved by women since 1971 towards gender equality. Activities are held at workplaces, libraries, and enterprises to commemorate the day. The occasion serves as a reminder of the struggle for equal rights and the 19th Amendment’s ratification. Among the things to do are express gratitude to strong women, support women-owned companies, and endorse them.
