Women's Equality Day 2022
By: Lilly Thumm
Happy Women's Equality Day! August 26 is a significant day in women's history as it marks the anniversary of the adoption of the 19th amendment where some women gained the right to vote. You can trace this victory all the way back to 1848 Seneca Falls, New York, where the first women's rights convention was held. It took 72 years after that meeting for the 19th Amendment to be certified, and another 50 years before the largest protest for gender equality in United States' history took place (also on August 26!): the Women's Strike for Equality. Over 100,000 women partook in these protests across 90 cities and towns, including 50,000 women who took to the streets in New York City. It took more than one person to organize such a monumental event, but one Democratic Representative, Bella Abzug, saw the need for a Women's Equality Day.
There is no denying the obstacles women of the past had to overcome, but what does it mean to celebrate Women's Equality Day today? In President Obama's proclamation on August 26, 2013, he said
"As we reflect with pride on decades of progress toward gender equality, we must also resolve to make progress in our time. Today, we honor the pioneers of women's equality by doing our part to realize that great American dream -- the dream of a Nation where all things are possible for all people."
This day is an important reminder of how activism can enact change, and the fight isn't over. If you're looking for ways to celebrate Women's Equality Day, here are some things you can do:
Register to vote: Hoosiers, October 11 is your last chance to register to vote before the election on November 8. If you're not an Indiana resident, this website can help you find out how to register in your state.
Shop women-owned businesses: Search for businesses near you that are owned by women and see if they have what you're looking for. This is a great way to support small businesses while potentially discovering something new.
Support the Equal Rights Amendment: There has been a lot done to combat gender discrimination, but as seen with the recent SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, rollbacks on rights granted to women can happen at any time. The Equal Rights Amendment would "guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex" according to its website, and while some places like Indiana have ratified it, not every state has.
Thank the women in your community: Yesterday was Muncie's 30th annual Women’s Equality Day program in the Muncie City Hall auditorium which honored the "successes of today's community leaders." Take some time to think about the women in your life who better your community and let them know their work doesn't go unnoticed.
Continue to uplift the women in our Hoosier community by making a contribution today.
