Ninety years of Women’s Equality Day

  • Published
  • By Anne Germany
  • 48th Fighter Wing Equal Opportunity Office
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  "There cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard. There cannot be true democracy unless women are given the opportunity to take responsibility for their own lives. There cannot be true democracy unless all citizens are able to participate fully in the lives of their country" -- Hilary Clinton

On Aug. 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, allowing women the right to vote, was ratified. This was the culmination of a long and painful struggle to secure the right to vote.

The struggle for women's rights began in Seneca Falls, N.Y., in 1848 during a two-day convention lead by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. It was here that Stanton read her "Declaration of Sentiments" containing grievances and demands which sent shockwaves throughout the nation and sowed the seeds of the Women's Movement. Women across America were galvanized and inspired to actively seek change, at great personal cost and sacrifice in some cases.

The Women's Movement was spearheaded by fiery, passionate, independent women instrumental in the battle to attain equal rights; women such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Mary Church Terrell, Sojourner Truth and Alice Paul, to name a few. Their stubborn refusal to submit to societal pressure enabled them to blaze the trail that led to the acknowledgement of women as valid participants in the political arena. However, it was women's active participation in military, defense and humanitarian works during the First World War that influenced President Wilson to push the passing of the 19th Amendement. In September 1918 he addressed the Senate in a dramatic plea to recognize the significant contributions made by women within the war effort.

It has been 90 years since women in America gained the right to vote on Aug. 26, 1920. Since then, there have been many advances regarding women's position in society, although there is still room for change. Aug. 26 not only commemorates the passing of the 19th Amendment allowing women to vote, but also women's continuing efforts towards equality.

We celebrate this special day to honor the countless women who challenged the conventions of their time in order to secure positive change for women in subsequent generations. On this day take time to reflect on the courageous, spirited women who lobbied, marched and petitioned for their voice to be heard against staggering odds. Never take your right to vote for granted, for in doing so, you do a great disservice to those brave, pioneering women. Furthermore, spare a thought for the millions of women worldwide who still live in fear and subjugation, without rights and without a voice.