Feature of the Month: August 2007
Women's Equality Month
Background
August 26 marks the anniversary of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution’s 19th Amendment, which in 1920 granted American women the right to vote. Congress passed a joint resolution in 1971 designating the date as a holiday and authorizing the president to issue a proclamation annually.
The 19th Amendment, known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment after the famous suffragist, 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." This amendment marked the culmination of almost two centuries of women's struggle for full voting rights in the United States.
The women's rights movement originated in Seneca Falls, New York, in July 1847, when Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott called a convention to discuss the social, civil and religious condition and rights of woman. The convention's Declaration of Sentiments affirmed that women are entitled to the same rights as men. (See related article.)
“By demanding participation in the democratic process, these visionaries helped spread freedom, justice and hope for generations to come.” (President Bush, in his proclamation, August 23, 2006)
The legacy of leadership and strength that Stanton, Mott and others left behind have inspired women to become leaders in science, law, business, education, athletics and the arts, Bush said.
Today, American women are leaders in business, government, law, science, medicine, the arts, education, and many other fields. Remarkable American women have broadened opportunities for themselves and women around the world. The observance of Women's Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also recognizes women's continuing efforts toward full equality.
“Our nation remains committed to advancing the equality of women in the world’s newest democracies and fighting threats to women around the globe,” the president said.
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