Article by Maureen McKinney
Women’s Equality Day is celebrated in the U.S. on August 26 each year. Since its inception in 1971, this day commemorates the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The 19th Amendment prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex. It has aided in advancements toward equality with men. Note the words “toward equality” in the preceding sentence. Even though 106 years have passed, real equality is elusive in so many ways.
Wage disparity is still a problem when women are making $.82 for every $1 made by men. The ERA has been held up in Congress due to a “deadline” – even though it has enough states approving it. Many believe the Constitution guarantees equality for women and men, but it doesn’t, at least not explicitly. Women, especially after the overturn of Roe v. Wade, are not allowed body autonomy in health decisions. There are movements currently afoot to expand laws to remove even more of women’s rights regarding their health, reproductive health and birth control choices. Let it be noted, there are no laws restricting men’s body autonomy or health. And sadly, some recent legislation appears to target women by requiring multiple IDs to vote: birth certificate, marriage license, driver’s license – and the name must match on all of them?
Almost 50 percent of the population of American is female. Even though work has been ongoing for over 100 years, women are still not considered equal in this country, this government. How can that be? Everyone has women in their lives: mothers, sisters, wives, children, friends and co-workers. How can anyone look women they know in the eye and not recognize and support their equality?
My hope is that these ridiculous inequalities will end. That women will have full rights, in all areas and laws, that men enjoy. I hope each of you takes time to honor and support the women in your lives. Let us truly BE equal.
The National Women’s History Alliance has created the following resolution asas part of Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday:
WHEREAS, As the nation is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, and
WHEREAS, Women’s history is recognized as essential for understanding the courageous complexity of our nation, and
WHEREAS, Knowing women’s stories provide essential role models for everyone, and
WHEREAS, Role models are genuinely needed to face the extraordinary changes and unrelenting challenges of the 21st century, and
WHEREAS, Learning about women’s tenacity, courage, and creativity throughout the centuries is a tremendous source of strength, and
WHEREAS, Women in the United States have continuously worked to gain full rights and responsibilities – public or private, legal or institutional – as citizens of the United States, and
WHEREAS, Women in every state and every cultural and religious group worked to expand democracy by securing the right to vote for women, and
WHEREAS, Congress has designated August 26, the date the 19th Amendment enfranchising women was certified, as Women’s Equality Day, and
WHEREAS, Recognizing Women’s Equality Day as a day of celebration throughout the country emphasizes the importance of women’s work for democracy,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, in conjunction with the nation’s 250th birthday, we shall commemorate Women’s Equality Day, August 26th, as a national day celebrating the importance of the women’s suffrage movement and women’s work to secure and expand equal rights today.
Co-published by Ellensburg Daily Record Newspaper on August 15, 2026. Maureen McKinney helps chair Communications/Outreach for the League of Women Voters Kittitas County. She is retired and lives in the Manastash Canyon with her dog Belle. Living with wildlife (except for one rogue turkey!) in our beautiful county is her happy place.