Women's Equality Day - Transcend Ideas

Today we celebrate Women’s Equality Day, this day is to commemorate the passing of the 19th Amendment in the United States that promised women the right to vote in 1920. This is a day to celebrate however not all women were free to vote nor were men. Millions of women and men were steered away from the polling places for decades. The fight over the amendment was not just about sex; it was also deeply entwined with race.

Women's Equality Day Image of National Baptist Convention banner being held up by 9 African-American women — Nine African-American women posed, standing, full length, with Nannie Burroughs holding banner reading, “Banner State Woman’s National Baptist Convention” Photo cred. Library of Congress

NPR: “Yes, Women Could Vote After The 19th Amendment — But Not All Women. Or Men” – Listen to Story (5 mins)

Even in 2021, voting rights are in jeopardy with new voting laws put in place in the more recent months. The fight for the right to vote is never over until ALL citizen’s voices are heard at the ballot box.

Transcend Ideas quote graphic "A Victory for some was not a victory for all, and fights continue today." - Marcia Chatelain, Professor of History and African-American Studies at Georgetown University.

Today is a day to celebrate but also an opportunity to look to the horizon at what true equality really looks like. There is so much work to do to create a more balanced and represented nation. Encouraging every society to celebrate Women’s Equality Day will form a more just and fair society.