Each year on August 26th, the United States celebrates Women's Equality Day, a significant milestone in the ongoing journey towards gender equality. This day commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. It serves as a reminder of the progress made and the challenges that remain in this fight for gender equality.

Women's Equality Day originated in 1971, thanks to the efforts of Representative Bella Abzug, who introduced the resolution to recognize the importance of women's suffrage and the broader movement for women’s rights. We honour the suffragists whose relentless campaigning and advocacy led to this pivotal achievement. Figures like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Sojourner Truth are remembered for their contributions to a movement that changed the course of history.

Suffragists and suffragettes both fought equally for women's rights throughout history. But now you may ask, what's the difference? Well, before the early 20th century, there were only Suffragists, who believed in peaceful campaigning methods, like petitioning. However, after a failure to achieve women's voting rights, suffragettes emerged in the early 20th century. They adopted the motto "Deeds, not words" and they used tactics like vandalism to public property and disruption of public meetings. One of the most famous groups of British Suffragettes includes the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), founded and led by a suffragette named Emmeline Pankhurst, who was jailed 11 times for her views and actions which occurred thanks to the WSPU.

The significance of Women's Equality Day extends beyond the historical milestone of the 19th Amendment. It also highlights the ongoing struggles women face in achieving full equality in various aspects of life, including the workplace, education, healthcare, and politics. Despite significant advancements, gender disparities persist. For instance, the gender pay gap remains a pressing issue, with women, on average, earning less than their male counterparts for the same work. Additionally, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles across many sectors.

So, how can YOU help? Support organisations that promote women's rights, advocate for policies that ensure equal opportunities and challenge discriminatory practices in your community and workplace. Educate yourself and others about the importance of gender equality. Such as creating posters, or volunteering to give a talk at your local school, creating a social media page dedicated to uplifting women, talking about small organisations, and making it a little project that helps girls and women alike to reach their true potential and educate about gender equality.

Women’s Equality Day serves as a reminder to all of us that above all, we are all equal. We all deserve rights. And women need to be appreciated.

Happy Women’s Equality Day!

Written by: Sara Rowan
Edited by: Sam Diggory
Proofread by: Connor Callahan