Women’s Equality Day: Key Milestones in the Fight for Our Rights

Women’s Equality Day, celebrated every August 26th, marks a major moment in our collective history as American women—a day to remember the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which finally granted us the right to vote in the United States. This milestone was a hard-won victory after decades of tireless advocacy by brave women who fought against deeply entrenched societal norms. While we have come a long way since then—earning our place in boardrooms, governments, and other spheres of influence—it’s important to recognize that our journey isn’t over. The fight for equality continues, both here in the U.S. and around the world, as we push against the remaining barriers that still hold us back.

Key Milestones in the Fight for Women’s Rights in America

From passage of the Voting Rights Act to ongoing efforts to ratify the ERA, let’s explore key milestones in the fight for women’s rights as we celebrate Women’s Equality Day.

The Seneca Falls Convention (1848)

The fight ramped up in 1848 at the Seneca Falls Convention, the first-ever women’s suffrage movement convention in the U.S. Imagine the courage it took for women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott to stand up and say, “Enough is enough!”

Together, they drafted the Declaration of Sentiments, which called out the injustices women faced and demanded equal rights. This wasn’t just some lofty statement—it sparked a movement that set the stage for all the progress we’ve made since then. It was the first real push toward the equality we’re still working toward today. They really put the federal government on notice.

The Abolition of Slavery (1863 to 1865)

Before women could even begin to fight for the right to vote, another crucial battle had to be won—the abolition of slavery. The true end of slavery in 1865, marked by Juneteenth, was perhaps the most important moment in American history (and women’s history).

For Black women, this was the first step toward equality, as it meant freedom from the brutal system that had denied them basic human rights. Even after slavery was abolished, Black women faced a double burden of racial and gender discrimination, making their journey to equal rights even more challenging.

The Formation of NAWSA (1890)

As the movement grew, women started organizing in a big way. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton founded the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA), aiming to secure a federal amendment for women’s voting rights, while the American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA) worked on a state-by-state approach.

Though these groups started out on different paths, they eventually joined forces to form the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) in 1890. This was a game-changer, proving that when women come together, we can make serious waves. With leaders like Anthony at the helm, the suffrage movement gained unstoppable momentum, bringing us closer to the day when our voices would finally be heard in the voting booth.

The Struggle for Suffrage (Early 20th Century)

The fight for the 19th Amendment didn’t happen overnight—it was the result of decades of determined effort by women who refused to accept their status as second-class citizens. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the suffrage movement wasn’t equally inclusive. Women of color, especially Black women, often found themselves sidelined or outright excluded from the mainstream suffrage movement.

While white suffragists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were making headlines, Black suffragists like Ida B. Wells and Mary Church Terrell were fighting not only for gender equality but also against the racism within the movement itself. These women of color faced immense challenges, yet they continued to push forward, knowing that their fight was about more than just the right to vote—it was about securing equality for all women, regardless of race.

The Passage of the Nineteenth Amendment (1920)

In 1920, after years of struggle, the 19th Amendment was finally ratified, granting women the right to vote. This was a monumental achievement, opening the door for women to participate fully in democracy. However, it’s important to recognize that the victory was bittersweet for many women of color.

Despite the 19th Amendment’s promise, Black women and other women of color continued to face significant barriers to voting, especially in the South, where Jim Crow laws and other discriminatory practices were still in place. The first Women’s Equality Day in 1973 celebrated this victory, but it also served as a reminder that the fight for equality didn’t end there. For many women, particularly those of color, the journey toward true equality was still far from over.

The Equal Pay Act (1963)

After securing the right to vote, the focus shifted to closing the wage gap. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 was a groundbreaking step toward economic equality, making it illegal to pay women less than men for the same work. This was huge—it challenged the deeply ingrained belief that women’s work was worth less. While this law was a victory, it’s clear that the fight isn’t over. The gender wage gap still exists, with women, especially women of color, earning less than their male counterparts. The Equal Pay Act laid the foundation, but we need to keep pushing to ensure that every woman is paid what she’s worth.

The Civil Rights Act (Title VII, 1964)

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark U.S. legislation that prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It aimed to end segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination, playing a crucial role in advancing civil rights and promoting equality across the country.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a game-changer, prohibiting sex discrimination in the workplace and ensuring that women had legal protection against unfair treatment. Interestingly (but not surprisingly), the addition of Title VII was made at the eleventh hour on the floor of the House.

It also led to the creation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces these protections. While Title VII was an important step forward, workplace discrimination hasn’t disappeared. Women still face barriers, but the framework set by this act gives us the tools to fight back.

Roe v. Wade (1973-2022)

Roe v. Wade was a landmark Supreme Court decision in 1973 that recognized a woman’s constitutional right to access abortion, significantly shaping reproductive rights in the United States for nearly five decades. This decision was seen by many as a major victory for women’s autonomy, allowing them greater control over their reproductive choices. However, in June 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, shifting the power to regulate abortion laws back to individual states.

The overturning of Roe v. Wade has led to a diverse range of responses and a complex legal landscape across the country. Some states have enacted more restrictive laws, while others have sought to protect and expand access to abortion services. For many women, this decision has reignited concerns about reproductive rights and access to healthcare, while others see it as a positive step toward protecting the rights of the unborn.

This development underscores the ongoing and deeply personal nature of the debate over reproductive rights in the U.S., and the varied perspectives that women hold on this issue. It’s a reminder that the conversation around women’s rights is multifaceted and continues to evolve, reflecting the diverse values and beliefs within our society.

The Violence Against Women Act (1994, Reauthorized 2022)

In 1994, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was passed, marking a significant step forward in protecting women from domestic violence. This act provided much-needed resources for survivors and strengthened laws against offenders.

VAWA recognized that violence against women is a serious issue that demands attention and action. While it has made a big difference, the fight against domestic violence continues. We must ensure that every woman has access to the support she needs and that our legal systems continue to protect and empower survivors.

The #MeToo Movement (2017)

The #MeToo movement, which took off in 2017, was a seismic shift in the conversation about sexual harassment and assault. It was a moment of reckoning, where women around the world shared their stories and demanded change.

This movement didn’t just raise awareness—it changed the way we talk about and address these issues, both in the workplace and beyond. The global influence of #MeToo has been powerful, but it’s also highlighted how much work still needs to be done to create safe and respectful environments for women everywhere.

The Equal Rights Amendment (Ongoing)

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) has a long and complicated history. First introduced in 1923, it has yet to be ratified as part of the U.S. Constitution, despite being approved by the necessary number of states. The ERA would guarantee equal rights under the law, regardless of sex, and its ratification remains a key goal for many women’s rights advocates. The ongoing efforts to secure the ERA remind us that legal equality is still something we need to fight for.

Work That Still Needs to Be Done: Gender Inequality in the U.S. Today

Despite all the progress we’ve made, gender inequality is still very real in the U.S. The wage gap continues to affect women, especially women of color, and we’re still underrepresented in leadership roles across industries. Evolving reproductive rights legislation around the country remind us to never take our rights for granted. These challenges show us that while we’ve come far, there’s still a long way to go. We need to keep pushing for change, advocating for policies that support equality, and ensuring that our voices are heard in every arena.

Challenges Faced by Women Globally

Globally, the fight for women’s rights is even more urgent. In many parts of the world, women still struggle to access basic rights like education, healthcare, and protection from violence. The disparities between regions and cultures can be vast, but they all share a common thread: the need for equality. These challenges remind us that the fight for women’s rights is a universal one, and that we must support our sisters around the world as they fight for the same rights and opportunities that we seek.

So, What Can We Do?

So, what can we do? The fight for equality isn’t something we can leave to others—it’s something we all need to be part of. Whether it’s advocating for policy changes, shopping at women-owned businesses, supporting organizations that fight for women’s rights, or simply using our voices to raise awareness, we can all make a difference. Let’s continue the work that those before us started and push for a world where equality is the norm, not the exception. Women thrive when we work together!