Women’s Equality Day

Observed annually on 26 August, Women's Equality Day commemorates the arduous yet fruitful passage of female suffrage in the United States, shedding light on the impediments the advocates of suffrage had to overcome, to gain a decisive victory over gender-based discrimination.

Women’s Equality Day is Annually Celebrated on 26 August; Source: Kirson & Fuller

Not until very long, women were denied the right to vote, own property or grab employment opportunities. They were expected to stay within the confines of the home and the hearth. However, such patriarchal beliefs have often faced resistance throughout the history of mankind. 26 August  1920, marks one such date which ushered the winds of change in the United States when the 19th Amendment to the American Constitution was certified, granting women the right to vote. This epoch-making event was a decisive first step towards attaining gender equality.

Women’s Equality Day, therefore, celebrates the indomitable spirit of the resisting women who aimed towards eradicating discrimination based on gender. Stories of women such as Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton are often recounted when one talks about the trailblazers of the 19th century who tirelessly worked towards securing equal rights for women. Thereby a positive change in the largely patriarchal world order can be attributed to such women, who were the champions of women's rights.

However, it is worth mentioning that the path towards equality and liberation wasn’t devoid of impediments. With women facing the threat of imprisonment, admonishment and systemic violence, the journey posed certain serious constraints. However, the indomitable courage of the heroic women shone through, paving the way for equality for the subsequent generations to come.

Apart from suffrage, other pressing issues needed to be addressed. These included the right to education, healthcare and employment. Women thus organised themselves and protested against the inequality they were facing. Activists such as Rosa Parks and Gloria Steinem championed the Civil Rights Movement and the Feminist cause respectively, carving a niche for themselves in the history of feminism.

While celebrating past achievements, the day also takes into cognisance the current challenges women face, including the gender pay gap, harassment and lack of women representation especially in the field of politics. The fight for equality thereby is far from over, with fresh challenges springing up incessantly.

Although there are multiple ways to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, acknowledging the struggles and efforts of women around you is one such way you can show solidarity with the women’s cause. Institutions such as schools and corporates also hold seminars and discussions to devise ways to curb discrimination against women in society. The real change however requires the cooperation and support of all stakeholders alike, both men and women. To create a gender-equitable world, it is crucial to provide equal opportunities to women, enabling them to become self-sufficient and financially independent by providing them access to resources and opportunities, as in the case of their male counterparts.

Women’s Equality Day celebrates how far we’ve come in the struggle against gender discrimination while acknowledging the challenges that face us, as a largely patriarchal society. Nevertheless, the observance of such a day is a milestone to be celebrated, as women continue to resist systemic patriarchal oppression, trying to break free from the shackles of gender-based discrimination, marching towards a new dawn.