Commemorating Women's Equality: Practical Strategies for Marking the Occasion
Let's Get Real About Celebrating Women's Equality Day:
August 26th, Women's Equality Day, is more relevant than ever. Haven't heard of it? This day honors the moment when women in the US gained the right to vote back in 1920, although it wasn't recognized until 1972 by President Nixon. And every president since then has recognized Women's Equality Day.
So, how do you celebrate this badass day?
- Learn the History: Pick up "Winning the Vote" to dive into the gritty details of women's battle for voting rights. But don't forget to acknowledge that the suffragettes' fight didn't exactly strike a blow for intersectional feminism. Give "Hood Feminism" a read to understand the limitations of their movement.
- Support the Sisterhood: In 2016, one in eight women in the U.S. lived below the poverty line. That's crazy! Many can't even afford basic feminine hygiene items. Drop some cash to organizations like the Houston Area Women's Center or The Women's Home, which help out in a big way.
- Shine a Spotlight on Leading Ladies: Do you know someone breaking barriers or defying all odds to succeed? Or maybe someone who's not conventionally changing the game but is still cracking the glass ceiling in her own way? Take some time to share her story.
- Shop Small and Shop Female: Rules can be overrated, so let's rejoice! Women weren't allowed to own their own businesses until way back in 1988. Yep, you read that right – it's only been 34 years since the legal battle for female business owners ended! Support small businesses run by women. Check out this resource for finding women-owned businesses worldwide.
- Raise a Glass: It doesn't exactly help women in your community, and it's hardly an educational experience, but sometimes, raising a toast can just feel damn good. Celebrate how far we've come, and think about how much further we can go.
Want more information? Check out these documentaries on Kanopy:
Not Done: Women Remaking AmericaHistory of the United States: The Women's MovementThe Wilmar 8
Now, what's your move?
- Understand the struggle: Acknowledge the battles women fought to gain the rights we have today.
- Support women-oriented causes: Help organizations that work towards gender equality by donating resources or volunteering your time.
- Empower women leaders: Shout out women who are breaking the mold and defying stereotypes.
- Purchase from female-owned businesses: Support women's economic empowerment by buying from businesses owned and operated by women.
- Raise a toast to sisterhood: Celebrate the women in your life – and women everywhere – for their strength, resilience, and contributions to society.
Because equality ain't just a nice-to-have… it's a MUST-HAVE. 💥🎉💥
- To fully appreciate Women's Equality Day, delve into the wealth of knowledge in books like "Winning the Vote" and "Hood Feminism", which offer insights into the history of women's fight for voting rights and the limitations of early feminist movements, respectively.
- Expand your learning beyond books by watching documentaries such as "Not Done: Women Remaking America", "History of the United States: The Women's Movement", and "The Wilmar 8" on Kanopy, focusing on the evolution of women's roles in society and the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
