Honoring Women’s Equality Day

On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment was certified, guaranteeing that the right to vote could not be denied on the basis of sex. It was a historic milestone in the long struggle for gender equality, achieved after decades of tireless campaigning by women’s rights activists such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Yet, while the amendment represented a breakthrough for many women, the promise of equality was far from universal. Women of color continued to face barriers at the ballot box, with true protections only arriving decades later through the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

The suffrage movement was built not only by prominent names but also by countless women whose contributions often went unrecognized. Black leaders like Mary Church Terrell, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and Adella Hunt Logan played critical roles in fighting for both racial and gender equality, yet their efforts were overshadowed in mainstream accounts of the movement. Their work reminds us that the fight for equality has always been intersectional, demanding inclusion and justice across lines of race, class, and gender. 

Today, Women’s Equality Day commemorates those victories while shining a light on the work still to be done. Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, especially in fields like STEM and politics, and the gender pay gap continues to persist.

Beyond the workplace, women still shoulder a disproportionate share of domestic work and childcare, underscoring the cultural and structural challenges that remain. For women of color, these barriers are often even steeper, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and reform. 

While there has been undeniable progress, Women’s Equality Day serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for equality is ongoing. Around the world, women continue to push for equal rights, greater representation, and protection from systemic barriers. This day is not just about reflecting on history, it’s a call to action, honoring the struggles of the past while committing to building a more equitable future. 

Women’s Equality Day is not only for women, it’s a call for everyone to engage in meaningful change.

Here are ways you can honor this day: