August 26 marks Women’s Equality Day, a commemoration of when the 19th amendment, which officially allowed women to vote, was added to the Constitution in 1920. This annual celebration offers an opportunity to contemplate how far American society has come in the fight for women’s rights, especially when it comes to politics—and how far we still have to go.
It wasn’t easy for women to gain the right to vote. Activists like Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and many others fought for women’s suffrage over the near-century it took to secure women’s rights to participate in this vital democratic act. The movement wasn’t as united as it seems on its face; racism was a pervasive problem. Even after the 19th amendment was added to the Constitution, women of color were subject to voter-suppression measures, a form of prejudice that is unfortunately still present today even after the passage of 1965’s Voting Rights Act.
Flash forward to the 2016 presidential election. Countless women were so moved to cast a vote for Hillary Clinton that they posted “I voted” stickers on Susan B. Anthony’s grave and showered Ida B. Well’s online memorial with messages of thanks. Like that day, this one is a chance to remember the incredible strides women have made and continue on in the work of those who came before us. Here, leaders in the campaign for women's rights share what they’re thankful for this Women’s Equality Day.
Shaneice Simmons, civic engagement leader of Rock the Vote:
“This Women's Equality Day is especially significant. We've seen a revitalization of activism and engagement in our country. Women, especially women of color, have been visible advocates for social equity in our democratic process. Whether it's mothers taking daughters to marches, women stepping up to run for office, or female voices in the media encouraging civic participation, women are reclaiming in this country. This Women's Equality Day, let's celebrate all of the incredible women working to create the future that we want for ourselves."
Toni Van Pelt, president of the National Organization for Women:
"This Women's Equality Day—and every day—I am grateful for grassroots activists across the country. Feminists working in their communities have been at the heart of every major victory women have achieved: sending women of color to Congress, securing marriage equality, defeating this summer's monstrous health care bill, and so much more. Knocking on doors and calling members of Congress isn't glamorous, but it drives real, meaningful change for women. Whether they have been working hard for decades or were called to action after the 2016 election, these women know the future is female. I am humbled every day by their fierce dedication."
Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics, Rutgers University:
“I’m grateful for the energy and commitment of women across the country as they engage in the political process, many for the first time. Now more than ever, we need women’s voices in government at every level. Billions of tax dollars are allocated and countless public policies are enacted, largely without input from women, who make up more than half the population. To ensure the future of our democracy, we need more women serving in local, state, and national government. Our foremothers fought to make sure we had a voice at the ballot box. Now it's up to us to make sure women have a seat at the decision-making table.”
Erin Vilardi, founder and executive director of VoteRunLead.org:
"I am thankful for women in the U.S. Senate who put people before party. I am thankful for the new women of color in the U.S. Congress who are resilient and powerful voices for all of us. One of those women is remarkable VoteRunLead alumna Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, who made history becoming the first Somali-American lawmaker in the United States. I'm also thankful for the 3,000+ women who have already stepped up and have been trained by VoteRunLead just since November's election and the 8,000+ women who have signed up for VoteRunLead courses and reviewed our library of resources."
Erin Loos Cutraro, founder and CEO of She Should Run:
"I’m thankful for the thousands of women from all backgrounds who have had the courage to come forward and throw their hats in the political ring. Through their commitment, we are making women leaders a norm. Every woman leader that runs for local, state, or federal office is progress; it shows other women and young girls everywhere that there is room for them at the table."
Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY's List:
"Nearly a century since women gained the right to vote, we still hold only 20 percent of seats in the House and Senate. Women of color hold only 7 percent of seats in Congress. Around the country, women make up a quarter of state legislators. We must do better.
The power and importance of women’s voices in our public discourse has never been clearer. The Republicans’ cruel health care bill was defeated because women took a stand, from district offices and town halls to the National Mall and the floor of the U.S. Senate. Here at EMILY's List, we will continue to empower these women and the 17,000 women who have reached out to us since November to express interest in running for office. These women are scientists, lawyers, veterans, and activists who refuse to stand by while politicians strip away their rights. On this Women’s Equality Day, we pledge to continue that fight by electing pro-choice Democratic women candidates across the country. Theirs are the voices Americans need.”
Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CEO of League of Women Voters of the United States:
“Ninety-seven years after the ratification of the 19th Amendment granted American women the right to vote, we continue to fight for progress together to make America a nation of true equality. I am thankful for the brave women and men who fought for women’s suffrage and those who continue to fight for equality today at the ballot box and beyond. The recent upswing in activism gives me hope in the power of the people to make our voices heard and effect change on issues of inequality in our political systems.
I am particularly grateful for the many opportunities to rally around great causes that advocate for, encourage, and train women who want to run for office. I am continually encouraged by the amazing individuals and coalitions committed to helping voters make informed decisions and fighting to make sure our elections remain as free, fair, and transparent as possible.”
Susan D. Whiting, chair of the board of directors, National Women’s History Museum:
“I am fortunate to be related to Susan B. Anthony, whose model of perseverance has inspired me throughout my life and will continue to inspire the next generation through my children. We have a story no other country can tell, but our history remains unfinished because we have not included women’s contributions in our nation’s narrative. While we have miles to go, I’m grateful that we are closer to a day when every boy and girl sees that the women in their lives played a vital role in building our country, so they are inspired to be trailblazers and history-makers.”
Quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity.
You may also like: Yogi Kathryn Budig on Why Self-Care Is So Important