Championing Progress on Women's Equality Day

As we approach August 26th, we commemorate the pivotal moment in 1920 when the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, ensuring women could not be denied the right to vote due to their sex. This monumental occasion, honored as Women's Equality Day, marks an ongoing struggle for equal rights across sexual, racial, and economic lines—a battle still fiercely waged today.

The recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has significantly impacted women's rights, erasing decades of progress with a single judgment. This setback serves as a rallying cry to intensify our efforts for equality. For those seeking to take action, resources are available here.

On this day, we pay tribute to the relentless women who have broken through barriers to strive for equal pay, end societal discrimination, and preserve the hard-won right to vote.

Icons such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Margaret Sanger, Bella Abzug, Stacey Abrams, and Kamala Harris personify the spirit of this fight.

We remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who as a steadfast champion of equality, transformed the legal landscape for gender rights. From advocating before the Supreme Court to supporting the #MeToo movement, RBG's legacy includes enabling women to access financial independence without male co-signers.

Malala Yousafzai's resilience in advocating for female education underlines the urgency of this cause, particularly as the Taliban reasserts control in Afghanistan. Her efforts to provide sanctuary for women's rights activists underscore the ongoing perils faced by women under oppressive regimes. Supporting organizations like Women for Afghan Women and lobbying for refugee protection are ways to contribute to this cause.

Margaret Sanger's pioneering work in birth control led to the establishment of Planned Parenthood, while Byllye Avery founded the National Black Women’s Health Project to combat the medical marginalization of women. These efforts are continued by initiatives like the Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health, focusing on enhancing sexual health education and research.

Bella Abzug's legislative efforts, including the establishment of Women's Equality Day, and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community's sexual rights, continue to inspire. The ongoing push for The Equality Act is a testament to the need for safeguarding against discrimination.

Sally Ride's journey as the first American woman in space transcended physical boundaries, inspiring subsequent efforts to engage children in STEM through Sally Ride Science, highlighting the coolness of scientific pursuits.

Stacey Abrams's work in voter registration and the fight against voter suppression has had a profound effect on the democratic process, emphasizing the importance of every individual's voice in shaping the future.

Vice-President Kamala Harris's historic inauguration as the first woman and first woman of color to hold the office underscores the strides made, yet also the vast underrepresentation of women in congressional history.

This Women's Equality Day, we hail the extraordinary achievements of these women and many others unlisted. Still, the journey towards health, economic, educational, sexual and reproductive justice, and racial equality forges ahead. We are united in the pursuit of a brighter, equitable future.