National Women's Equality Day was established in 1975 by Congress. In 1972, Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) which would have amended the Constitution to provide equal rights under the law for men and women. However, due to opposition from some states, the ERA never became ratified. Today, we celebrate the passage of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution which granted women the right to vote nationwide.
This day is also used to promote gender equity and raise awareness of the ongoing fight for women's rights. Every year on August 26, we remember the progress we have made and recommit to working towards a more just and equal society.
On August 26, 1920, Alice Paul led a group of suffragists to the White House gates where they were arrested for protesting the lack of voting rights for women.
In addition to the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, the Equal Pay Act of 1963 was signed into law. This act prohibited sex discrimination in pay between men and women who perform equal work.
Important Years for National Women's Equality Day
1. In 1970, Congress passed the Education Amendments of 1972, which included Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title IX prohibits gender-based discrimination in education programs receiving federal funds.
2. In 1973, Congress passed the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which provides protection against employment discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions.
3. In 1974, Congress passed the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which gives parents the right to inspect and review their children’s educational records.
4. In 1978, Congress passed the Child Nutrition Act, which requires schools to serve free breakfasts and lunches to students.
5. In 1979, Congress passed the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which created the Department of Energy.
6. In 1981, Congress passed the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Control Act, which gave the Surgeon General authority to set national drinking age limits.
7. In 1983, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, communication, recreation, institutionalization, education, housing, access to credit, and telecommunications.
8. In 1984, Congress passed the Cable Communications Policy Act, which regulates cable television rates and services.
9. In 1986, Congress passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act, which provided amnesty to undocumented immigrants who entered the country before 1982.
10. In 1987, Congress passed the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, which requires automobile manufacturers to install passive restraint systems in vehicles.
11. In 1988, Congress passed the Clean Air Act, which sets standards for air quality and establishes the Environmental Protection Agency.
Today (26th August) marks National Women's Equality Day, a day to celebrate the progress we have made towards gender equality and to recommit to the work that still needs to be done.
Why it's very important?
This day is particularly important this year as we face unprecedented challenges to women's rights and equality. From the attacks on reproductive health care to the rollback of critical protections for gender-based violence, we are seeing a coordinated effort to roll back the progress we have made.
But we will not be deterred. We will continue to fight for equality and justice for all women, no matter what. We celebrate National Women's Equality Day today and every day, and we will never give up the fight for a more equitable world.
0 Comments