Women's Equality Day: Paving the Way!
Today, August 26th is Women's Equality Day. It commemorates the passage of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The amendment was first introduced over a hundred forty years ago in 1878. In 1973, the U.S. Congress designated August 26th as Women's Equality Day. Rep. (D-NY) Bella Savitzky Abzug, from Bronx, NY, push for Women's Equality Day in 1971, led the way to get the wheels churning to get this day fully acknowledged. President Richard Nixon signed the order of recognition in place.
In the early 1970s, women like Bella, Shirley Chisholm, Gloria Marie Steinem joined together to create the National Women's Political Caucus (NWPC). This initiative to help women's voices be heard and get them elected for roles within the government so that they could better other women in their communities was a good start for the United States. This group of women were ethnically diverse, intelligent, and worked closely together for the greater good of their communities and country. At present, the NWPC is still running strong, educating women on what it takes to run successful campaigns to get elected and stay on top once they become victorious from the journey.
Women have come a long way since the congress passage in 1973; women who have been elected and appointed to government roles are not nearly enough and still have a long way to go to catch up to the dominating male industry. Female wages are not on par with male counterparts, stereotypes of what men can do and how they can act compared to what women should do still exists. However, events from prior years, heck even this month, show that women are standing up for what they believe is right. Women are fighting to be heard, for equal pay, to make a difference for themselves, their children, and their children's children. It is essential not to be quiet any longer when women have a voice to be heard via words, the power to protest, and, more importantly, the ability to vote for change.
Today, let us honor the woman who has paved the way for this generation and keep up the momentum for requiring equal pay no matter what one sex is. Recognize that though we may not be where we should be, we still have to fight to get there, and that takes being courageous and not giving up, especially to chauvinistic men. On this day in 1920, women were allowed to vote for the first time. One hundred years later, it feels like that right once again is being threatened in some odd way. Look at Tennessee, protesters who are locked up will not be allowed to vote. What a violation of their constitution because a male Governor does not understand differences of opinions and fails to see the systemic racism he has just imposed. Please do not allow it. Stand up tall and firm and fight for freedom and justice for all. Women, we ought to be strong in the battle because women before us like Bella and Shirley who put on their armor to fight the battle for us to have a voice in our lifetime, and be where we are today. Though we may not be where we need to be today, thank god we are not where we used to be. Remember, the little girls that will soon be in the forefront tomorrow are watching what this generation is doing to continue on our legacy in their lifetime.
As long as we have life, we have time to make changes and keep fighting for the equality that all women deserve to have in this day in age. Let us keep up the momentum, never giving up; fight for what is right in the world. Do so consciously and ethically even though others may not reciprocate.
For those of who are believers, one can always fight battles on their knees praying, with their hands lifted up praising or with your dollars sowing and with their pen/keyboard/tablet writing for changes to legislation. Women Have Power! Together The World Will Be A Better Place! Let's vow to promote Women's Equality Every Day!
This November, make it your duty VOTE!
Reference:
Women’s Equality Day Proclamation
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-87/pdf/STATUTE-87-Pg1238.pdf