After over 72 years of rigorous protesting by multitudes of women, including leaders such as Susan B Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Lucy Stone; women in the United States victoried in the adoption of the 19^th Amendment – prohibiting denial of the right to vote based on sex. Women’s Equality Day commemorates this triumph that took place 101 years ago on August 26^th.

Although introduced originally to Congress in 1878, it was not until 1920 that the amendment was finally ratified. In an early effort to solidify women’s rights, many states started passing suffrage acts by legislation or challenging male-only voting laws in court. By 1918, President Woodrow Wilson had retreated from his opposition to women’s suffrage and announced his support of the amendment, propelling the House of Representatives to pass the amendment, with the Senate following closely behind.

“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” – 19^th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

In 1971, Representative Bella Abzug of New York introduced a successful bill designating August 26th of each year as Women’s Equality Day.  This accomplishment followed after the largest protest for gender equality – 1970 Strike for Equality, led by Betty Friedan and the National Organization for Women; with demonstrations and rallies in more than 90 U.S. cities and towns across the country. More than 100,000 women participated, including 50,000 marching down Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Although the road to full equality is still a long one, monumental victories accomplished by way of devoted individuals for a shared cause have allowed us the opportunity to celebrate this great day in history. Women’s Equality Day is a token to women’s continued fight for equal rights. It is also a symbol that the United States commends and supports them.

Happy Women’s Equality Day!