The United States observes Women's Equality Day on August 26 every year to honour the struggles and ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality. As the anniversary of the U.S. Constitution's 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, this day holds special importance for women across the globe. Women's Equality Day serves as a reminder of the achievements, ongoing difficulties, and the need for continued support of women's rights in all spheres of life.

Remembering the Journey

The road to achieving women's voting rights was a difficult and protracted one for women in America. Women were denied the fundamental democratic right to vote before the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920. The late 19th and early 20th century suffrage campaign, which gained strength, was crucial in promoting women's voting rights.

Women from different backgrounds joined forces to fight for the right to vote. They planned protests, marches, and campaigns despite frequently encountering opposition, jeers, and sometimes violence. Famous personalities such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Alice Paul are known for their tenacious pursuit of voting rights and gender equality.

Where have Women Reached Today?

The 19th Amendment's passage was a crucial turning point, but the fight for complete gender equality remains far from ended. On this day, its important to take stock of the advancements gender equality has taken, especially in the work sphere.

Ciara Harrington, Chief People Officer, Skillsoft, a global leader in corporate digital learning says, “While more women these days start their careers with an ‘equal’ ratio of men to women in the workplace, this decreases significantly once you get to the Executive, C-Suite, and Board levels. It’s important for companies to identify when and why women are falling behind and implement better policies and practices to correct it, all with measurable outcomes. For example, introducing policies promoting equality in hiring and promotion, mentoring and coaching programs specifically for women, and market-leading parental leave policies. On that last point, access to longer parental leave is key – longer leave means fewer women will leave the workforce or take a career break during those early years. Equal parental leave also creates a ‘new’ normal where the standard is that both men and women will take time off with their kids and removes the existing ‘stigma’ or more traditional view where this ‘time off’ applies only to women. As individuals, I believe we should all have the freedom to choose our own path without stereotypes or judgement.”

Nupur Garg, Founder, Winpe believes that taking significant steps at work can bring about a change for the good. She says, “The workplace was designed a hundred years ago to cater to an all-male workforce. It was designed by men, for men. Today, the workforce is 50% female and it is imperative that we refresh the design of the workplace to reflect this reality. Bolt-on efforts like adding maternity benefits will only take us so far - to realize the full potential of the diverse talent pool available, we have to ensure seamless integration of gender considerations.”

Richa Singh, Co-founder & CEO, Happinetz, a young Indian startup that provides safe internet for kids, echoes a similar sentiment. "A truly gender inclusive workplace has enough space for all visibly and yet the right amount of balance to not single them out. Inclusivity is not a macro strategy that is put on paper and run through compliance, it is every day action that builds empathy and collaboration for all voices. It is knowing that equality doesn't come with equal strokes but with enough diverse measures to allow everyone to thrive,” says Richa.

Continuing Struggles and Achievements

Women's Equality Day serves as a reminder that despite advancements, the fight for gender parity still continues. The commemoration of this day not only recognizes the accomplishments of the suffragists but also raises awareness of the persisting gender gaps that exist in a variety of contexts, including the workplace, politics, education, and healthcare.

The battle for women's rights continues to be led by initiatives to eliminate the gender pay gap, guarantee equal representation in leadership roles, and stop gender-based violence. Conversations on the need for cultural and structural change have been triggered by movements like #MeToo, which have drawn attention to the frequency of sexual harassment and assault.

Zaiba Sarang, Co-founder, iThink Logistics a Mumbai based courier aggregator highlights the significance of Women’s Equality Day in today’s context. “Women's Equality Day isn't just a nod to history; it's a rallying cry for our future. The strides we've made towards gender equality in the workspace are inspiring, but the journey doesn't stop here. By recognizing the unmatched value that a diverse workforce brings, we open doors to creativity, innovation, and empathy. Every individual, irrespective of gender, has a unique strength to offer, and it's in this unity that we find our true potential. On this day, let's push the human race forward, empowering one another in our quest for an inclusive, compassionate, and thriving world,” says Zaiba. 

It's critical to understand that not every woman has the same challenges in the fight for equality. Race, ethnicity, social class, sexual orientation, and other characteristics all influence the lives of women. Within the larger women's rights movement, intersectional feminism emphasises the need to address the particular difficulties that marginalised groups experience.

The Sign of Progress

Women's Equality Day is a call to action as well as a historical reminder. It acts as a forum for bringing attention to the ongoing struggle for gender equality, celebrating the contributions of pioneering women, and motivating future generations to keep fighting for change.

Monalisha Thakur, CMO & Co-founder, Tummoc, a transit application highlights the bottom-line for women everywhere and the importance of equality for all. "As an entrepreneur, I'm right there with the modern working women, gravitating towards a culture of equality. We strive for equality in everything we do. Equality needs to be like the air we breathe, vital and everywhere. It's the solid base that every woman needs to stand on as we reach our goals. Think of it as the fair rules that say everyone gets a shot, not taking something as minute as gender into consideration. I've been lucky to work in a culture of equality and it's like a warm hug that says, "You belong here." When you create an equal playing field, you're empowering everyone to focus on being their best self."

In conclusion, Women's Equality Day in America is an important time to remember the suffragists' contributions, celebrate the advancements made, and reaffirm our commitment to the fight for gender equality. It serves as a reminder that, despite the difficulties along the way, achieving a more diverse and egalitarian society is worthwhile.

Let’s gather and celebrate WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY along with America.