At the behest of Rep. Bella Abzug (D-NY), in 1971 the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day.”

The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This was the culmination of a massive, peaceful civil rights movement by women that had its formal beginnings in 1848 at the world’s first women’s rights convention, in Seneca Falls, New York.

The observance of Women’s Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality. Workplaces, libraries, organizations, and public facilities now participate with Women’s Equality Day programs, displays, video showings, or other activities.

Joint Resolution of Congress, 1971
Designating August 26 of each year as Women’s Equality Day

WHEREAS, the women of the United States have been treated as second-class citizens and have not been entitled the full rights and privileges, public or private, legal or institutional, which are available to male citizens of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the women of the United States have united to assure that these rights and privileges are available to all citizens equally regardless of sex; and

WHEREAS, the women of the United States have designated August 26, the anniversary date of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, as symbol of the continued fight for equal rights: and

WHEREAS, the women of United States are to be commended and supported in their organizations and activities,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that August 26th of each year is designated as Women’s Equality Day, and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation annually in commemoration of that day in 1920, on which the women of America were first given the right to vote, and that day in 1970, on which a nationwide demonstration for women’s rights took place.

After a 72 year struggle, on August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the U.S. was finally ratified, granting women the right to vote nationwide. It is referred to as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment and it states, "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." To honor and recognize the ongoing efforts of women towards equality, President Carter and the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as Women's Equality Day in 1971. In 1995, the Susan B. Anthony Amendment (19th Amendment), celebrated its 75th anniversary.

In 1848, a convention in Seneca Falls was convened by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. It was here that America was challenged to a social revolution that would touch every aspect of life. Early women's rights leaders believed suffrage to be the most effective means to change an unjust system. By the late 1800s, nearly fifty years of progress afforded women advancement in property rights, employment and educational opportunities, divorce and child custody laws, and increased social freedoms. The early 1900s saw a successful push for the vote through a coalition of suffragists, temperance groups, reform-minded politicians, and women's social welfare organizations.

Celebrate at your workplace by honoring women who have made contributions to your company or to your field.

Celebrate at your women's club or civic organization with a luncheon, a speaker or a video.

Decorate with timelines or posters celebrating the contributions of women to American life.

Honor outstanding women in your community at an inspiring evening event.

Put together a display at your local library, bookstore or community center.

Put together a scrapbook or memory book about significant women or events for women in your community or workplace.