There are plenty of special days to honor the amazing women who shaped, and still shape, our world in positive ways. Women’s Equality Day, which is on August 26, is a prime example. This day is important because it celebrates women fighting for their rights and how they’re changing our world for the better.
History
Women’s Equality Day was founded on August 26, 1971 at the urging of US Representative Bella Abzug. This was done to celebrate the certification in 1920 of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.
It was the pinnacle of a huge, peaceful civil rights demonstration by women that began at the world’s first women’s rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York. In addition to paying homage to the passing of the 19th Amendment, Women’s Equality Day brings attention to women taking a stand for equal rights.
Celebrating Women’s Equality Day
There are many ways to celebrate Women’s Equality Day. These include making special presentations, putting on performances, supporting women-owned businesses, and ensuring all libraries in schools and communities have a copy of “Winning the Vote: The Triumph of the American Suffrage Movement” by Robert Cooney.
Fearless Females
In addition to heroines like Temple Grandin, Malala Yousafzai and Suni Lee, there are plenty of strong women in my life that I adore.
My mom once saved a man’s life after he fell down the stairs in the subway. In addition, my big sister helps me in times of turmoil.
Another courageous heroine in the family was my late grandmother, who worked in the Women’s Army Corps in World War II. She was a lookout, keeping a sharp eye out for air attacks. World War II was a meaningful time for women, as many of them were let into the ranks of the military and more jobs became available to them.
I also have very special friends who are fearless females. One of them is a rocker who is an actress, songwriter, and feminist.
Women’s Equality Day isn’t a national holiday. Nevertheless, it is a special day that reminds us how women are going out of their way to make the world a better place. We still have a long way to go. But there’s no denying that many women are leaving a positive impact on us.