Women’s Equality Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Women’s Equality Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Women’s Equality Day is celebrated on August 26th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Women’s Equality Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you may want to know about Women’s Equality Day.

📅 What day is Women’s Equality Day 2024?

In 2024, Women’s Equality Day is on Saturday, August 26th. It is the 4th Saturday in August; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the exciting details and facts about August 26, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

The right to vote is a fundamental aspect of democracy and is now guaranteed to everyone, although this was not always the case. In the past, most countries, including the United States, limited voting rights to men only, excluding women from this important democratic process. However, women began advocating for their right to vote in the early 1800s and fought for many years to achieve this goal. In the United States, the decision of who could vote was initially left to the individual states. Eventually, the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of gender, have the right to vote.

Women’s Equality Day is a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements of those who fought for women’s rights and serves as a reminder of the challenges women face on a daily basis. In order to prevent any form of oppression against women, it is essential to empower them through education. Financial support is also necessary to enable women to establish a solid foundation for a successful future.

📜 Women’s Equality Day History

During the early 1800s, women in America began gathering together to fight for their political rights and representation, despite facing various obstacles such as being unable to inherit property and earning only half of what men did in any job. This movement eventually spread globally in the early 1900s, with countries like Finland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom granting women the right to vote. In the United States, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was introduced in 1878 but failed to gain support. It wasn’t until World War I when women’s contributions became evident that suffrage gained widespread support. Women’s rights activists criticized the contradiction of fighting for democracy abroad while denying it to American women at home.

To pass a constitutional amendment, the consent of two-thirds of the states is required. Therefore, the 19th Amendment had to be ratified by 36 states before it could be enacted. The decisive vote came from Harry T. Burn, a young state legislator in Tennessee who changed his vote at the last minute after his mother urged him to approve the amendment.

However, the journey for women’s equal rights is far from over. Presently, the wage gap between men and women continues to impact women’s economic power, and gender-based discrimination persists in workplaces and business transactions. In recognition of the ongoing struggles, Congress designated August 26 as Women’s Equality Day in 1971 to commemorate past, present, and future battles for women’s rights.

✅ Women’s Equality Day Facts

🔖 Women often fought disguised as men
In the 1700s and 1800s, particularly during the Civil War, a significant number of women joined the military and disguised themselves as men.

🔖 There is only one female Medal of Honor recipient
Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, who worked as a Union contract physician, bravely served as a prisoner of war for the Confederacy and was awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor for her exceptional contributions. To this day, she holds the distinction of being the sole female recipient of this esteemed military accolade.

🔖 Women in combat
In the United States military, women have long been recognized for their crucial contributions in non-combat positions, particularly within the medical and operations sectors. However, it wasn’t until 2013 that women were granted the opportunity to serve in combat roles.

👍 Why Is Women’s Equality Day Important

On Women’s Equality Day, spend some time brushing up on your women’s history and learning about the complicated and fascinating history of women’s rights in the United States and around the world.

It might be difficult to remember to thank those who do so much for us. Use Ladies’ Equality Day to remind yourself to do something special for the women in your life.

Despite significant progress over the last century and a half, women in the United States and around the world continue to face professional obstacles, domestic violence, and other barriers to their well-being and success.

🙂 How To Observe Women’s Equality Day

⚡ Register to vote
Women and their supporters fought tirelessly for many years to secure the right to vote. It is important to ensure that you are registered to vote in your local community as a way to honor and acknowledge the sacrifices they made.

⚡ Thank the women in your life
Every one of us depends on hardworking women in our lives, such as mothers, grandmothers, partners, sisters, and friends. Take a moment today to express gratitude for their tireless dedication and support, both physically and emotionally, towards others.

⚡ Support women-owned companies
Support female entrepreneurs by using your buying power. 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.

📅 When is Women’s Equality Day?

See all 🔗 August holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Civic holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Women’s Equality Day. So be sure to check back soon.