Women in the United States have had the right to vote for only about one hundred years. That fact is difficult to comprehend, especially today when women now serve as business and political leaders and in a host of other jobs once reserved for men. Just yesterday, we celebrated Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the enactment of the 19th Amendment, which said, among other things, that “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.”
It was the culmination of the decades-long struggle of courageous suffragists determined to earn the most basic of rights for themselves. On Women’s Equality Day, we remember the efforts of those groundbreaking activists, celebrate women’s remarkable achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to equality under the law.
One of the benefits of the Women’s Movement is the opening of occupations and careers once strictly reserved for men. It wasn’t that long ago that the only career paths available to women were secretary, teacher, nurse, librarian, or social worker. Although some of those career paths remain largely occupied by females, women now have much more options both within and beyond those paths. Interestingly, it’s also had the bonus effect of bringing more men into traditionally female jobs, opening the way for everyone to have access to a career that brings them fulfillment, purpose, and an opportunity to contribute to the well-being of our communities.
Much more remains to be done, especially regarding pay equity. Still, Women’s Equality Day reminds us of the challenges overcome by the heroic women who faced violence and discrimination in their efforts to advance women’s suffrage.
