Celebrating Women's Equality Day
At US Together, we constantly seek to empower our female clients through our programming. Corine runs our Women Empowerment Program in our Toledo office because she knows female refugees must learn about all the rights and freedoms their new country affords them. However women choose to live their lives, all women must feel empowered to make their own decisions.
The United States Congress officially recognized August 26 as Women’s Equality Day in 1971. This date was chosen as it is the same day in 1920 when the 19th Amendment was certified, giving certain women the right to vote. Since women gained suffrage, women have been using August 26 as a day to continue the fight for gender equality.
It is important to note that all women were not guaranteed the right to vote back in 1920 when the amendment was passed. Women faced obstacles preventing their access to the polls – especially Black women. The fight for equal access to the polls continues to this day. American women continue to fight for equal pay, positions of leadership, and much more. As the struggle for gender equality goes on, it’s important to celebrate the successes and victories women have achieved.
Now, here’s what American women have accomplished:
Women have the right to own their own bank accounts and control their own money.
In addition, a woman has a right to apply for a loan in her name without a male co-signer.
Women can own property.
Women can drive and own a vehicle.
Women can work and make money.
Women did not begin working in the U.S. during World War II. The war was a contributing factor for the mass employment of white women, but women were finding work and making money long before WWII began.
Women can earn college degrees, and girls are required to attend K-12 schools for basic education.
A woman is legally allowed to divorce her husband.
Women can now access social security in retirement, thanks to Rose Schneiderman.
The list can go on. Looking back at all the strides women have made so far, women have much to celebrate.
Everyone at US Together wishes a happy Women’s Equality Day to all our supporters.