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NAWRB would like to wish our Members and Community a happy Women’s Equality Day this Saturday, a day dedicated to commemorating the anniversary of women winning the right to vote. The 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote after 72 years of activism by suffrage leaders, was passed by Congress in 1919 and ratified by the states in 1920.
Under the leadership of Representative Bella Abzug (D-NY), the women’s movement achieved a distinguished success as Congress designated August 26 Women’s Equality Day in 1971. In addition to celebrating women’s right to vote, the day emphasizes the importance of continuing the work and advocacy needed to reach true gender parity. Even 97 years after women won the right to vote, a pervasive gender gap exists in pay, advancement opportunities, and even hygiene products. In fact, it wasn’t until 1988 that women were able to obtain business loans without a male cosigner.
Women earn 80 cents for every dollar a man earns, are prevalently absent in executive positions and boardrooms, and have to endure a “pink” tax—the New York Department of Consumer Affairs reports that on average, women’s personal care products cost 13 percent more than men’s, representing an annual cost of over $1,000.
There is much road left to travel in the women’s movement; it is important to be conscious of this. As we work every day to create a better, equal tomorrow for women, we celebrate the leaders and the efforts that paved the way for empowered women.
Gender equality will allow an increasing number of women to build wealth and access the American Dream of homeownership. A home is a woman’s sanctuary, a place to call her own, and an invaluable asset that cements one’s professional progress and economic foundation.
“I think the girl who is able to earn her own living and pay her own way should be as happy as anybody on earth. The sense of independence and security is very sweet.” – Susan B. Anthony