Women’s Equality Day 2024 Date: Know History and Significance of the Day That Commemorates the Passage of the 19th Amendment in the US Constitution
Women’s Equality Day is observed to commemorate the day in 1920 when the Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the proclamation granting American women the constitutional right to vote.
Every year, Women’s Equality Day is observed in the United States on August 26. This special day marks the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. The Amendment prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex. Women’s Equality Day in the US celebrates the progress made towards gender equality and also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for women's rights. August 2024 Festivals, Events and Holidays Calendar: Complete List of Important National and International Days and Dates in August.
Women’s Equality Day was first celebrated in 1971, designated by Congress in 1973, and is proclaimed each year by the United States President. In this article, let’s know more about Women’s Equality Day 2024 date, history and the significance of the annual US observance.
Women’s Equality Day 2024 Date
Women’s Equality Day 2024 falls on August 26.
Women’s Equality Day History
The date August 26 to observe Women’s Equality Day was chosen to commemorate the day in 1920 when the Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the proclamation granting American women the constitutional right to vote. In 1971, after the 1970 nationwide Women's Strike for Equality, and again in 1973, as the fight for Equal Rights Amendment continued, Congresswoman Bella Abzug of New York introduced a resolution to designate August 26 as Women's Equality Day.
In 1972, President Richard Nixon issued Proclamation 4147, which designated August 26, 1972, as ‘Women's Rights Day’ and was the first official proclamation of Women's Equality Day. Every year since then, every president since Richard Nixon has issued a proclamation each year designating August 26 as Women's Equality Day.
Women’s Equality Day Significance
Women’s Equality Day holds great significance in the US as it highlights the vital roles that women have played and continue to play in shaping society, whether in politics, science, arts, business, or social movements. The day serves as a moment to honour the achievements of women throughout history and in contemporary times.
It also aims to raise awareness about gender inequalities, issues like the gender pay gap, underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, and more. On this day, many events, discussions, and campaigns are organised across the country to raise awareness about the issues still faced by women, both in the US and around the world.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2024 08:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).