Women’s Equality Day

The right to vote is a fundamental part of democracy, but it wasn’t always available to everyone. For a long time, many countries, including the U.S., denied voting rights to women. In the early 19th century, women began fighting for this right. In the U.S., each state originally decided who could vote, but the 19th Amendment, passed in 1920, guaranteed voting rights for everyone, regardless of gender. Today, Women’s Equality Day honors the efforts of women’s rights activists and highlights the ongoing challenges women face. To prevent oppression, it’s important to empower women through education, which requires financial support to help them build a strong future.

When is Women’s Equality Day 2024?

The continuous struggle for women’s participation and equality in all spheres of life and society is observed on Women’s Equality Day on August 26.

History of Women’s Equality Day

Women’s Equality Day, celebrated every August 26, marks the passage of women’s suffrage in the U.S. and honors the brave women who faced violence and discrimination to advance the women’s movement.

In the early 19th century, American women, who couldn’t inherit property and earned only half of what men did, started organizing to demand political rights and representation. By the early 1900s, countries like Finland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom had legalized voting for women, as the movement gained global momentum. In the U.S., the 19th Amendment, first introduced in 1878, struggled to gain support. However, women’s contributions during World War I highlighted the injustice of denying them the right to vote, leading to increased backing for the suffrage movement.

For the 19th Amendment to pass, it needed approval from 36 states. The final vote came down to Tennessee, where a young state representative, Harry T. Burn, switched his vote in favor of the amendment after receiving a letter from his mother urging him to support it.

Despite gaining the right to vote, women continue to fight for equal rights today. The wage gap between men and women still affects women’s economic power, and gender-based discrimination remains a challenge in workplaces and business.

To acknowledge the ongoing struggle for equality, Congress established Women’s Equality Day in 1971 as a reminder of the past, present, and future efforts to achieve true gender equality.

Women’s Equality Day timeline

Traditions of the Day

Women’s Equality Day is a time to celebrate and uplift women, recognizing the incredible progress they’ve made despite challenges and oppression. Common traditions include men and women showing appreciation for the influential women in their lives, supporting women-owned businesses, and celebrating with friends and the special women around them.

People also raise funds for charities and organizations that promote women’s empowerment. Prominent women often speak at events, both online and in person. Success stories are shared on social media using the hashtag #WomensEqualityDay, where people also discuss the challenges women face and offer solutions and support through the online community.

By The Numbers

18 – The number of countries where husbands can legally prevent their wives from working.

39 – The number of countries where sons and daughters do not have equal inheritance rights.

1 in 5 – The proportion of women and girls who have experienced physical and/or sexual abuse by a partner.

23.7% – The percentage of women represented in national parliaments.

108 – The estimated number of years it will take to close the gender gap.

6 – The number of countries that provide women with equal work rights as men.

2.24 – The number of male characters for every female character in films.

47% – The increased likelihood of women suffering severe injuries in car crashes because safety features are primarily designed for men.

13% – The percentage of women globally who hold agricultural land.

40% – The reduction in the number of girls getting married in childhood in Southern Asia since 2000.

Women’s Equality Day FAQs

When was the first Women’s Equality Day?
The U.S. Congress designated August 26 as Women’s Equality Day in 1973 to commemorate the 19th Amendment.

How do you celebrate Women’s Equality Day at work?
You can celebrate Women’s Equality Day at work by giving cards to the women in your office, acknowledging their hard work, and organizing a girls’ night happy hour.

Why was the 19th Amendment passed?
The 19th Amendment was passed due to the relentless efforts and dedication of the women’s suffrage movement.

Women’s Equality Day Activities

1. Thank the women in your life
We all rely on the hard work of women—moms, grandmas, partners, sisters, and friends. Take a moment today to thank them for all the physical and emotional support they provide.

2. Support women-owned companies
Use your purchasing power to support female entrepreneurs. You can find lists of women-owned businesses on the Small Business Administration’s website or by contacting your local chamber of commerce.

3. Register to vote
Women and their allies fought for many years to secure the right to vote. Honor their sacrifices by ensuring you’re registered to vote in your community.

5 Fascinating Facts About Women In The Military

1. Women in combat

Women have held crucial non-combat roles in the U.S. military, such as medical and operational positions, for a long time, but combat roles were only opened to them in 2013.

2. Women often fought disguised as men

In the 1700s and 1800s, especially during the Civil War, many women enlisted in the army while disguising themselves as men.

3. There is only one female Medal of Honor recipient

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a contract surgeon for the Union, was a Confederate prisoner of war and received the Medal of Honor for her service. She remains the only female recipient of the military’s highest award.

4. Women made important WWII contributions

Over 400,000 women served in World War II as nurses, pilots, ambulance drivers, and in other critical support roles.

5. Military maternity wear

Previously, women who became pregnant were not allowed to continue serving, but now, all branches of the military provide maternity uniforms for expecting service members.

Why We Love Women’s Equality Day

A. It gives us an opportunity to learn
Use Women’s Equality Day to explore women’s history and learn about the complex and intriguing history of women’s rights both in the U.S. and worldwide.

B. It reminds us to show gratitude
It’s easy to forget to thank those who do so much for us. Let Women’s Equality Day be a reminder to do something special for the important women in your life.

C. It reminds us of how far we have to go
Even with significant progress over the past century and a half, women in the U.S. and around the world still face professional challenges, domestic violence, and other barriers to their well-being and success.