NEW CUMBERLAND, Pennsylvania –
The women’s suffrage movement began in 1848 at the Seneca Falls Convention in Seneca Falls, New York. Convened by suffragist leaders Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, the committee published a “Declaration of Sentiments.” The declaration outlined key social, civil and political demands for women, helping the cause of women’s suffrage gain national prominence. Nearly 72 years later, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was passed Aug. 26, 1920, granting women throughout the United States the right to vote.
Each year, since 1971, August 26 has been designated and celebrated in the United States as Women’s Equality Day.
Over the last century, great women like Rosa Parks, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marie Curie and Jane Goodall have proven what women are capable of achieving, from fighting for civil rights and equality to being great scientists. The last century has shown more than ever what both women and men are capable of achieving, given the opportunity.
This year marks the 97th anniversary of Women’s Equality Day. While the vast majority of women in the U.S. have been born with the automatic right to vote upon their 18th birthday, this was not always the case. It is important to remember the women suffragists, who fought persistently to give the right to their daughters and granddaughters.
Today, women’s equality has grown to mean much more than just sharing the right to the vote. Many organization’s continue to work to provide women across the globe with equal opportunities to education and employment, pushing against suppression and violence towards women and against the discrimination and stereotyping which still occur in every society.