What Is Women’s Equality Day and Why Is It Celebrated?
Women’s Equality Day is a yearly observation meant to highlight the inequities specifically faced by women, bringing awareness to the issue and encouraging people to enact change. And as an open and inclusive business, you need to know how to celebrate Women’s Equality Day in your workplace.
Since 1971, Women’s Equality Day has been celebrated annually on August 26. The celebration falls on the anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment which granted women the right to vote.
Women’s Equality Day is all about celebrating equal rights, but it’s important to note that when women first won the right to vote more than a century ago, equal rights weren’t so equal. It reminds us of those strong women who faced violence and discrimination just for belonging to a gender minority. Common customs include commemorating womanhood with your girl group and special ladies, giving back to significant women in your life, and supporting women-owned local businesses.
History is filled with women who took a stand in an attempt to redress the balance in gender inequality.
Alice Milliat, athlete
If you loved cheering Jessica Ennis-Hill all the way to gold during London 2012’s Super Saturday, you have Alice Milliat in part to thank.
In the early 20th century men dominated the Olympic Games with women’s participation restricted to sports such as golf and archery. There were no female track and field medals to be won – until Alice came along.
Malala Yousafzai, activist
The youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, Malala first came to global attention in 2009. A blog she wrote about her life as a student in northern Pakistan, where it was frowned upon for females to attend school, led to her face being seen around the world. The South African cleric Desmond Tutu nominated her for the International Children’s Peace Prize.
Rosa Parks, civil rights activist
The woman who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, is inextricably linked with the American civil rights movement.
What colours do you wear on International Women’s Day?
People have traditionally worn purple on International Women’s day.
Purple, along with green and white are considered the colours of International Women’s Day. These colours have roots in the United Kingdom’s Women’s Social and Political Union from the early 1900’s.
Celebrating Women’s Equality Day at your workplace involves a multifaceted approach. From cultivating leadership opportunities for women to dismantling gender biases in hiring and promotions, each step contributes to the bigger picture. By highlighting the accomplishments of remarkable women in various industries, you can inspire others to break down barriers and thrive.
WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY ACTIVITIES
Thank the women in your life
We all depend on hardworking women — moms, grandmas, partners, sisters, and friends. Take some time today to thank them for all the physical and emotional labour they do for others!
Support women-owned companies
Use your consumer power to support female entrepreneurs. You can find lists of women-owned businesses on the Small Business Administration’s website or by reaching out to your local chamber of commerce.
Register to vote
Women and their allies fought for decades to win the right to vote. Do your part to honour their sacrifices by making sure you’re registered to vote in your community.