History of Women's Equality Day
The right to vote, the cornerstone of democracy, belongs to all citizens — but this wasn’t always the case. Until recently, most countries denied voting rights to women. To claim their voice, women began agitating for the right to vote in the early 19th century. In the U.S., decisions about who could vote were left up to the states. The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, ensures voting rights for everyone regardless of gender. In 1971, Congresswoman Bella Abzug of New York introduced a resolution to designate August 26th as annual recognition of Women's Equality Day. Today, Women’s Equality Day celebrates the achievements of women's rights activists, pays tribute to those who have moved us closer to equality for women and girls, and reminds us to continue fighting for these rights.
