One of the best features of banking at a credit union is that they are inherently head-over-heels for their members. In everything we do, TwinStar Credit Union strives to support our members as unique individuals – to us, you are not just another account number. All member voices drive our collective success, and we hope each of you will join us as we celebrate Women’s Equality Day.
What is Women’s Equality Day?
Held every year on Aug. 26, Women’s Equality Day celebrates the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution. This historic amendment granted women the right to vote and participate in our democracy.
To understand the deeper meaning of Women’s Equality Day, it’s important to examine the work it took to get the 19th Amendment ratified. It didn’t happen overnight. Suffragists advocated for decades to expand women’s rights and representation. While there are several compelling documentaries and books detailing the fight, here are just a few notable milestones:
- 1848: The first women’s rights convention, the Seneca Falls Convention, was held.
- 1890: The National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) was created.
- 1920: The 19th Amendment was passed, marking a crucial step to expand voting rights to include more Americans’ voices in our democracy by stating: “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. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”
- 1965: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed, removing barriers like literacy tests and poll taxes, so marginalized groups of women – and men – could finally exercise the right to vote.
To commemorate the progress made and that which is yet to come, Representative Bella Abzug introduced a bill in 1971 to proclaim Women’s Equality Day. It failed. Two years later, in 1973, she re-introduced the bill and Congress officially passed the resolution.
Now, every year, this holiday symbolizes the efforts made by generations of Americans to expand women’s rights.
Why is Women’s Equality Day Celebrated on August 26?
Women’s Equality Day is celebrated on Aug. 26 because the 19th Amendment was certified by U.S. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby on this date in 1920.
Why Should We Recognize Women’s Equality Day?
It’s hard to imagine a world in which women didn’t have a voice in our democracy. Although we celebrate on the anniversary of the 19th Amendment, Women’s Equality Day is about more than one day in history – it represents the many years of strife and progress towards inclusion. While there’s still work to be done, Women’s Equality Day marks an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and consider how we can continue making the world equitable for all.
How Do I Celebrate Women’s Equality Day 2024?
There are several ways to participate in Women’s Equality Day, both personally and publicly. Here are a few ideas:
- Shop at a woman-owned business.
- Take uninterrupted time to think about the impact women have made to your life or society.
- Express gratitude to women you know.
- Register to vote.
- Support a local organization that directly empowers or supports women.
- Mention the holiday to others, whether in person or on your social media channels (use #WomensEqualityDay to join the larger dialogue).
How Does Where I Bank Matter?
There’s no denying that the financial sector has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. TwinStar’s continual efforts to amplify women’s voices within our organization include our Women in Business employee resource group (ERG), as well as the leadership development training our DEI & Development team has created for all of our employees – women included. Several of our employees are also board members for organizations that benefit women in our local communities.
We are proud to observe Women’s Equality Day 2024 and remain committed to equity for all of our employees and members.