On Women’s Equality Day

Wednesday, August 26 is Women's Equality Day in the United States.

In 1973, Congress declared that this day would be observed annually in commemoration of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, the amendment that granted women the right to vote. Thanks to the commitment of suffragists, beginning in 1920 states and the federal government could not deny the right to vote to citizens on the basis of sex.

It is vital to remember—this year especially—that this amendment was the result of many years of protest, a sustained commitment by a group of individuals that resulted in lasting change.  

It is also important to remember that, though the language in the 19th amendment technically included all women, in practice, women of color found incredible barriers to voting, many of which weren't alleviated until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. But voter suppression is still very much at work in America today.

As we celebrate Women's Equality Day, we need to be clear about which women this day celebrates. As we move toward equity and intersectionality, let us refuse to ignore the experiences and realities of people who have faced oppression because of their race, class, or gender identity. We can celebrate the strides we've made, recognize how far we have yet to go, and commit to building a more equitable America.