Today, we celebrate Women’s Equality Day. It’s observed on August 26 every year in the US to honour the hard-fought victory of the women’s suffrage movement.
Women’s Equality Day commemorates the 19th Amendment being adopted in the 1920s in the US; which stopped the federal government and states from preventing people from the right to vote based on their sex. However, today women’s equality has grown to mean much more than just sharing the right to the vote. Organisations such as Equality Now and Womankind Worldwide 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 occurs in every society.
CELEBRATING THE DAY
So how can you celebrate Women’s Equality Day today? Show solidarity by wearing purple be it a scarf, top, wristband or ribbon. This is believed to have originated from the Women’s Social and Political Union in the UK in 1908. Why purple? Internationally, purple is the colour symbolising women’s equality because it signifies justice and dignity.
Don’t forget to pay tribute to the amazing females that have made a massive difference in the movement, by learning about trailblazing female leaders of the past and present. Do your part to honour the sacrifices made by women and their allies who fought for decades to win the right to vote; by making sure you’re registered to vote. Also remember to support female entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses. Finally, regardless of whether you’re a business leader, owner, manager or simply an employee, do your bit to help close the gender pay gap as progress remains woefully slow worldwide.
CLOSING THE GENDER PAY GAP
According to the latest findings from Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), women in the US continue to be paid less in almost every occupation than men (as reported). Over 70% of women in the US want the government to do more to tackle the wage gap, confirmed IWPR. Click here to read more.
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