Women's Equality DayAugust 26 is designated in the United States as Women's Equality Day. Instituted by Rep. Bella Abzug and first established in 1971, the date commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, the Woman Suffrage Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave U.S. women full voting rights in 1920.
At that time, the vote rested in the hands of one voter, Harry Burns. Evidently, Mr. Burns voted in favor of the amendment thanks to a note from his mother reminding him, "Don't forget to be a good boy and vote for suffrage".
Bella Abzug was known for her passionate work in the peace movement, for civil liberties and for feminism. She was truly a leader in increasing public awareness that women are not to be treated unfairly in any way, shape or form.
The full text of the resolution is as follows:
'Joint Resolution of Congress, 1971 Designating August 26th of each year as
Women's Equality Day
WHEREAS, the women of the United States have been treated as second-class citizens and have not been entitled the full rights and privileges, public or private, legal or institutional, which are available to male citizens of the United States; and
WHEREAS, the women of the United States have united to assure that these rights and privileges are available to all citizens equally regardless of sex;
WHEREAS, the women of the United States have designated August 26th, the anniversary date of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, as symbol of the continued fight for equal rights: and
WHEREAS, the women of United States are to be commended and supported in their organizations and activities,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that August 26th of each year is designated as "Women's Equality Day," and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation annually in commemoration of that day in 1920, on which the women of America were first given the right to vote, and that day in 1970, on which a nationwide demonstration for women's rights took place."
Every day, across the globe, millions of women are still treated as second class citizens, or worse. Here in the U.S. it is witnessed in our Government, in the work place and in the playing field; literally every aspect of life. We have come so far, yet still have such a long way to go.
I urge you to celebrate Women's Equality Day every day (and so does your mother!)
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