Women’s Equality Day

Women’s Equality Day is a day to remember that until recently, gender inequality was an objective fact, and women did not have full voting rights. It is a reminder of the progress that has been made in the development of public consciousness.

History

August 26th was declared Women’s Equality Day by the US Congress.

The date was chosen in honor of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which allowed women to vote in elections. The first proclamation about this was signed in 1920 by Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby, but the struggle for women’s rights continued and was again raised in 1971 by Congresswoman and social activist Bella Abzug.

Interesting Facts

• Throughout history, attitudes towards women have changed slowly for the better, but:
• The question of the legal status of a woman and her possibility of equality with men did not arise until the 19th century.
• In antiquity, the position of women was not much different from the status of useful things. In Ancient Greece and Rome, women did not have the right to vote or hold public office.
• In the Middle Ages, women were valued for their dowry, essentially considered as a commodity.

How to Take Part

• Learn more about the women’s rights movement and share this information with your family and friends on social media.
• Donate to a charity dedicated to helping women who are victims of violence, whether domestic or dictated by the social order in their country.

When is Women’s Equality Day in 2024?

Women’s Equality Day is observed on August 26 each year.

Observations