Every year, Women's Equality Day is celebrated enthusiastically on August 26 in the United States. The day commemorates the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment (Amendment XIX) to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the US based on sex. Women's Equality Day was designated by Congress in 1973 and is proclaimed yearly by the United States President. The day was first celebrated in 1971. As we celebrate Women's Equality Day 2023, here's all you need to know about the history and significance of the US observance. Why Purple? Know Significance of the Colour Purple and Other Colours Used To Depict Emotions on This Day.

Women's Equality Day 2023 History

As per records, August 26 was chosen to commemorate the day in 1920 when Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the proclamation granting American women the constitutional right to vote. In 1971, Congresswoman Bella Abzug of New York introduced a resolution to designate August 26 as Women's Equality Day after the 1970 nationwide Women's Strike for Equality. Send These Quotes and Messages to One and All To Observe Women’s Struggles for Equal Opportunities.

In 1972, President Richard Nixon issued Proclamation 4147, designated August 26, 1972, as 'Women's Rights Day' and was the first official proclamation of Women's Equality Day. On August 16, 1973, Congress approved H.J. Res. 52, stating that August 26 would be designated Women's Equality Day. Since then, every president since Richard Nixon has issued a proclamation each year establishing August 26 as Women's Equality Day.

Women's Equality Day 2023 Significance

Women's Equality Day is vital in the history of the US. On this day, the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920, which granted women the right to vote, a significant milestone in the fight for gender equality. Women's Equality Day serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of women throughout history and inspire future generations to continue working towards a society without any gender disparities. On this day, various events, seminars, and workshops are often held to discuss women's rights issues and foster conversations about gender equality.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2023 11:17 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).