National Women’s Equality Day
Together, we can do amazing things!
Looking back on all of the amazing accomplishments made by the women’s suffrage movement is truly inspiring. This day was created to celebrate the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Vibe Jewelry is a women-founded, owned and led company with the collective goal of supporting a community that stands for equality, diversity, and women empowerment.
National Women’s Equality Day is important because it allows us to reflect on how far we have come, but also how much further we have to go. We hope this blog is helpful in providing some history behind the holiday and the changes we can all make to fight for Women’s Rights.
In This Article:
- What Is Women’s Equality Day?
- What Is The Historical Significance of Women’s Equality Day?
- A Look Into Women’s Rights Throughout The Years
- A Look Into Women’s Rights By The Numbers
- What Does Women’s Equality Mean To Vibe?
- Why Do We Celebrate Women’s Equality Day?
- How Can You Celebrate Women’s Equality Day?
- Join Us On Our Mission To Support Women Everywhere
What is Women’s Equality Day?
Image: Library of Congress
Women’s Equality Day commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. First introduced in 1878, the amendment didn’t gain favorability until women’s involvement in World War I.
"It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do."
― Jane Austen
Forty-two years after it was introduced, the 19th Amendment was officially passed in 1920. In 1973, the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as Women’s Equality Day to remind us of the heroic women who fought long and hard for the Women’s Rights Movement.
What is the historical significance of Women’s Equality Day?
Congress officially designated August 26 as Women’s Equality Day in 1973, but it was first celebrated in 1971. August 26 was selected as a day to commemorate the final signed proclamation that gave women the constitutional right to vote. This day represents the past, present, and future struggles that women face to fight for equal rights.
Women’s Equality Day represents the past, present, and future struggles that women face to fight for equal rights.
Sadly, in order for the 19th Amendment to be passed, it took 72 years. We commemorate the strong women who campaigned though the violence and discrimination in order to make this change! We reflect on the idea that a woman was known to only be a source of “beauty” and did not have the same status in society as a man. Today, we continue to show that this narrative is beyond outdated and that women are equals.
"An idea built the wall of separation between the sexes, and an idea will crumble it to dust."
― Sarah Moore Grimké
While women are not done fighting for equal rights, Women’s Equality Day is a day to remember the strong and powerful women who fought feverishly to push the Women’s Rights Movement to where it is today.
A look into Women’s Rights throughout the years
Jan 29, 1866
Petition for Universal Suffrage: Asking for an amendment to the Constitution to prohibit several states from disfranchising their citizens on the grounds of sex.
June 4, 1919
Nineteenth Amendment: Proposed an amendment to the Constitution extending the right of suffrage to women.
Dec 13, 1923
The Equal Rights Amendment: Introduced to Congress by Congressman Daniel Anthony. This amendment failed more than 1,100 times.
Jan 12, 1932
Hattie Wyatt Caraway: The first woman elected to the U.S. Senate.
May 4, 1933
Frances Perkins: The first female cabinet member that was appointed secretary of labor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
June 19, 1944
House Resolution 5056: Attempted to prohibit discrimination in pay on account of sex. Although not passed, it was the first to introduce this topic.
June 10, 1963
The Equal Pay Act: Passed by Congress on this day. Promised equal pay for the same work, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin or sex.
June 23, 1972
Title IX: President Nixon signed the Education Amendments that included Title IX which prohibits discrimination based on sex in academic activities.
Jan 22, 1973
Roe V. Wade: Supreme court makes abortion legal in the civil cases, Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Wade.
July 7, 1981
Sandra Day O’Connor - First woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
A look into Women’s Rights 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.
47%
The percentage of the increased likelihood for women to suffer severe injuries in car crashes because safety features are designed for men.
40%
The percentage drop in girls getting married in childhood in Southern Asia since 2000.
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.
13%
The percentage of women globally who are agricultural landholders.
What does women’s equality mean to Vibe?
As a women-founded, owned and led business, Vibe’s mission to support other women is the very foundation that the company is built on. That’s why celebrating National Women’s Equality Day is very important to us. Our mission is to stand united with women near and far and to support as many women as we possibly can.
Women have continued to persevere through centuries of discrimination. We are determined to be part of the movement for change! Vibe is more than just “jewelry.” We are a community that works to fight for equal rights. Our goal is to uplift and empower women to be strong, dynamic, and to feel supported.
Hear from the Vibe SHE-EO’s & learn what women’s equality means to them:
“Equality is a birthright of all human beings. My heartfelt desire is to live in a world where everyone is granted the liberty to enjoy a life of complete freedom, an existence where all humans are allowed the same opportunities and no one gender is regarded as superior to the other.”
- Jennifer Cutshaw,
Vibe Co-Founder & SHE-EO
“Equality amongst people should be the norm. Right to self-care and to make decisions about our own bodies, should be a given.
The ongoing movement for gender equality fuels my fire. To support women in finding their voice, to stand up for themselves, is my passion. To inspire and empower women to be happy, healthy, and financially independent is my burning desire.
I am blessed to be part of a business where we stand united in a firm belief in social justice and liberty for all.”
- Osa Notting,
Vibe Co-Founder & SHE-EO
“Equality amongst people should be the norm. Right to self-care and to make decisions about our own bodies, should be a given.
The ongoing movement for gender equality fuels my fire. To support women in finding their voice, to stand up for themselves, is my passion. To inspire and empower women to be happy, healthy, and financially independent is my burning desire.
I am blessed to be part of a business where we stand united in a firm belief in social justice and liberty for all.”
- Osa Notting,
Vibe Co-Founder & SHE-EO
Why do we celebrate Women’s Equality Day?
Defying all odds, women have continued to persevere. Women’s Equality Day is about uplifting and marveling at how far women have come. Celebrating this important day gives us an opportunity for growth. Acknowledging women’s history and learning about what got us to where we are today.
"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!"
― Maya Angelou
It is important to show gratitude and remember those who do so much for us. Celebrate the women in your life by doing something meaningful to show how much you appreciate them. On a day-to-day basis, it may be difficult to find the time to make the women around you feel valued. Take this Women’s Equality Day to do just that!
While we have come far, we still have ways to go. Celebrating Women’s Equality Day reminds us of the continued struggles we have to face in order for women’s rights to be acknowledged. Women in the U.S. and around the world still face obstacles in their careers and educational opportunities. Take this day to focus on ways you can be a part of the movement for equal rights.
How can you celebrate Women’s Equality Day?
There are so many ways to celebrate Women’s Equality Day. From thanking the strong and hardworking women in your life to supporting a women-owned business. We recommended going onto the Small Business Administration’s website and finding lists of women-owned businesses to support.
Another way to help would be by registering to vote. Women and their allies fought for decades to gain the right to vote, so make sure you are doing your part in honoring these sacrifices. Also, you can pay tribute to these powerful women by spending time doing research online to educate yourself and help to further spread information about the Women’s Rights Movement.
"Feminism isn't about making women stronger. Women are already strong, it's about changing the way the world perceives that strength."
― G.D. Anderson
A great way to learn more about the Women’s Rights Movement is to visit a women’s museum. You would be surprised to find out how many women’s museums there are around the world! There are a number of museums dedicated to showing the stories behind the movement and a quick search online will point you in the right direction.
Take this day to celebrate women. Whether it be the women in your life, important women in history, or give back to women in your community. We encourage you to get involved. Together, on August 26, we honor the powerful women who came before us and the many improvements they accomplished.
Join us on our mission to support women everywhere
Stand up for women everywhere and support the movement. Together we can do amazing things! Celebrate Women’s Equality on August 26 with the amazing women in your life, and remember…
- Women’s Equality Day commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
- Defying all odds, women have continued to persevere!
- Show gratitude and remember the women who do so much for us.
- Women have continued to persevere through discrimination and we ought to all be a part of the movement towards equality.
If you are interested in learning more about the Women’s Rights Movement and Women’s Equality Day, check out some of the resources listed below.