ShareTweePinWHEN IS WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY 2022?
The continuous struggle for women's participation and equality in all spheres of life and society is observed on Women’s Equality Day on August 26.
HISTORY OF WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY
Women’s Equality Day, celebrated every August 26, commemorates the passage of women’s suffrage in the U.S. and reminds us of the hurdles overcome by the heroic women who faced violence and discrimination to propel the women’s movement forward.
In the early 19th century, American women, who generally couldn’t inherit property and made half of a man’s wages in any available jobs, began organizing to demand political rights and representation.
By the early 1900s, several countries including Finland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom had legalized voting for women as the movement continued to sweep across the world. In the U.S., the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was first introduced in 1878, but it failed to gain traction. It wasn’t until women’s involvement in the World War I effort made their contributions painfully obvious that women’s suffrage finally gained enough support. Women’s rights groups pointed out the hypocrisy of fighting for democracy in Europe while denying it to half of the American citizens at home.
Because a Constitutional amendment requires approval from two-thirds of the states, 36 of them had to ratify the 19th Amendment before its passage. The deciding vote in the Tennessee legislature came from Harry T. Burn, a young state representative whose mother’s plea to support the amendment became a deciding factor in his vote (which he switched at the last minute).
Women aren’t done fighting for equal rights. Today, the wage gap between men and women still impacts women’s economic power, and gender-based discrimination still plagues workplaces and business transactions.
To remind us of the struggles of the past, present, and future, Congress designated August 26 as Women’s Equality Day in 1971.
WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY TIMELINE
The first women's rights convention organized by women, including suffragists Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, is held at Seneca Falls, New York, sparking the movement that leads to the passage of the 19th Amendment.
Margaret Sanger opens America's first birth control clinic in Brooklyn — Sanger's efforts led to the creation of today's Planned Parenthood.
The U.S. Congress adopts the 19th Amendment, also known as the 'Susan B. Anthony Amendment,' giving women the right to vote.
Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman and second pilot ever to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic.
Black seamstress Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in Montgomery, helping to launch the civil rights movement.
In a historic decision in the Roe v. Wade case, the U.S. Supreme Court affirms women's constitutional right to abortion.
Flying on the Space Shuttle Challenger, Sally Ride becomes the first American woman in space.
Kamala Harris is sworn in as the first woman and first woman-of-color vice president of the United States.
TRADITIONS OF THE DAY
Women’s Equality Day is all about uplifting and empowering women, and marveling at how far women have progressed, defying all odds and oppression. General traditions include men and women expressing gratitude to influential women in their lives, supporting local businesses run by women, and celebrating womanhood with your girl gang and special ladies.
Funds are raised for charities and organizations that support women’s empowerment. Prominent women are featured guest speakers on different virtual and live platforms.
Success stories are shared on social media under the hashtag #WomensEqualityDay. Issues females face are discussed and solutions and assistance are provided by the online community.
BY THE NUMBERS
18 – the number of countries where husbands can legally prevent their wives from working.
39 – the number of countries where sons and daughters do not share equal inheritance rights.
1 in 5 – women and girls have experienced physical and/or sexual abuse by a partner.
23.7% – the percentage of women representation in national parliaments.
108 – the number of years it will take to bridge the gender gap.
6 – the number of countries that give women equal work rights as men.
2.24 – the number of men for every female character in films.
47% – the percentage of the increased likelihood for women to suffer severe injuries in car crashes because safety features are designed for men.
13% – the percentage of women globally who are agricultural landholders.
40% – the percentage drop in girls getting married in childhood in Southern Asia since 2000.
WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY FAQS
When was the first Women’s Equality Day?
How do you celebrate Women’s Equality Day at work?
Why was the 19th Amendment passed?
WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY ACTIVITIES
Thank the women in your life
We all depend on hardworking women — moms, grandmas, partners, sisters, and friends. Take some time today to thank them for all the physical and emotional labor they do for others!
Support women-owned companies
Use your consumer power to support female entrepreneurs. You can find lists of women-owned businesses on the Small Business Administration’s website or by reaching out to your local chamber of commerce.
Register to vote
Women and their allies fought for decades to win the right to vote. Do your part to honor their sacrifices by making sure you’re registered to vote in your community.
5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT WOMEN IN THE MILITARY
Women in combat
Women have long played important non-combat roles in the U.S. military in medical and operational positions, but combat positions were only opened to women in 2013.
Women often fought disguised as men
In the 1700s and 1800s, particularly during the Civil War, more than a few women enlisted in the army disguised as men.
There is only one female Medal of Honor recipient
Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a contract surgeon for the Union, spent time as a Confederate POW and was awarded a Medal of Honor for her efforts — to date, she is still the only female recipient of the military's highest award.
Women made important WWII contributions
More than 400,000 women served in World War II as nurses, pilots, ambulance drivers, and in other important ancillary roles.
Military maternity wear
Women weren't always allowed to continue serving if they became pregnant but, today, all branches of the military offer maternity uniforms for service members who are expecting.
WHY WE LOVE WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY
It gives us an opportunity to learn
Take some time on Women’s Equality Day to brush up on your women’s history and learn about the complicated and fascinating history of women’s rights in the U.S. and internationally.
It reminds us to show gratitude
It’s not always easy to remember to thank those who do so much for us. Use Women’s Equality Day as a reminder to do something meaningful for the important women in your life.
It reminds us of how far we have to go
Despite many advances in the last century and a half, women in the U.S. and around the world still face professional obstacles, domestic violence, and other barriers to their well-being and success.
WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | August 26 | Friday |
| 2023 | August 26 | Saturday |
| 2024 | August 26 | Monday |
| 2025 | August 26 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | August 26 | Wednesday |
WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY RELATED HOLIDAYS
