National Women's Equality Day

Celebrating Progress with a Smile and a Purpose

Every year on August 26th, National Women’s Equality Day rolls around to remind us of the strides women have made in their quest for equal rights—and of the journey that still lies ahead. It’s a day to celebrate the achievements, reflect on the struggles, and yes, to laugh at the absurdities that have peppered the path to equality. After all, who says we can’t fight for our rights with a little bit of humor?

The History Behind National Women’s Equality Day

National Women’s Equality Day was first proclaimed in 1973 by Congresswoman Bella Abzug, a trailblazing politician and women’s rights advocate. The date, August 26th, was chosen to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. It was a monumental achievement, the culmination of decades of tireless activism by suffragists who refused to take "no" for an answer—although they probably heard it more times than they could count.

The 19th Amendment was just the beginning. Since then, women have fought for and gained rights in education, the workplace, and politics, inching closer to equality with each passing year. And while there’s still work to be done, National Women’s Equality Day serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we’ve yet to go.

From Suffragettes to CEOs

The journey from the early suffragettes to today’s female leaders has been anything but smooth. There were the classic "women are too emotional to vote" arguments that suffragists had to debunk, and let’s not forget the delightful notion that "women should be seen and not heard"—a sentiment that now feels as outdated as the horse-drawn carriage.

Fast forward to today, and women are not only voting but also running for office, leading Fortune 500 companies, and breaking barriers in every field imaginable. The gender wage gap, while still a frustrating reality, has been narrowing, and more women are earning advanced degrees than ever before. Women have proven time and again that they’re not just capable—they’re unstoppable.

But equality isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder or winning elections. It’s also about everyday moments of empowerment: negotiating a raise, standing up to discrimination, or simply being unapologetically yourself in a world that sometimes still expects you to "play nice."

Fun and (Frustrating) Facts About Women’s Equality

• The Right to Wear Pants: Believe it or not, women in the U.S. didn’t gain the right to wear pants in Congress until 1993. That’s right—just 30 years ago, female senators and representatives were expected to stick to skirts and dresses. It took two pioneering women, Senators Barbara Mikulski and Carol Moseley Braun, to defy the unwritten dress code and pave the way for future generations to dress comfortably (and sensibly) in the workplace.
• The Gender Pay Gap: Despite significant progress, the gender pay gap persists. On average, women still earn about 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. That might not sound like a lot, but over a lifetime, it adds up to a serious chunk of change—enough to make anyone wish for a time machine to go back and fix it sooner.
• The Bechdel Test: Created by cartoonist Alison Bechdel, the Bechdel Test measures the representation of women in fiction. To pass, a work must feature at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man. It’s a simple test, but you’d be surprised how many movies and TV shows still fail it.
• The Power of the Purse: Women control about $20 trillion in annual consumer spending globally—yes, you read that right, trillion with a "T." That’s a lot of economic power, and it’s growing every year as more women enter the workforce and rise to leadership positions.

Celebrating National Women’s Equality Day

National Women’s Equality Day isn’t just about reflecting on the past—it’s also about taking action in the present. Here are some ideas to celebrate and make a difference:

1. Support Women-Owned Businesses: Whether it’s your local bakery, an online boutique, or a tech startup, supporting women-owned businesses helps close the economic gender gap and empowers female entrepreneurs.
2. Advocate for Equal Pay: If you’re in a position to influence salaries or hiring practices, advocate for transparency and fairness in pay. If you’re an employee, consider asking for a raise or negotiating your salary—after all, you’re worth it!
3. Educate Yourself and Others: Take time to learn about the history of women’s rights and the ongoing challenges women face today. Share your knowledge with others, whether it’s through a book club, social media, or just a casual conversation.
4. Mentor a Woman or Girl: If you’ve climbed a few rungs on the ladder of success, consider reaching out to mentor a younger woman or girl. Your guidance could be the boost she needs to achieve her dreams.

The Lighter Side of Equality

While the fight for women’s equality is serious business, it’s also important to find humor in the journey. After all, who can resist laughing at the fact that it took until 1969 for women to be allowed to run in the Boston Marathon? Or that, for centuries, women were told that their "delicate constitutions" couldn’t handle higher education—only for them to now outnumber men in earning college degrees?

Then there are the everyday absurdities: the unsolicited advice on how to "lean in" more, the never-ending debate over "having it all," and the persistent myth that women only drink wine and cry during romantic comedies. (Spoiler: Women also drink whiskey and laugh hysterically at stand-up specials.)

Humor has always been a powerful tool for change, and it’s no different in the fight for equality. By laughing at the ridiculous, we take away its power—and remind ourselves that we’re more than capable of tackling whatever challenges come our way.

National Women’s Equality Day is a celebration of progress, a call to action, and a reminder that equality benefits everyone. When women succeed, society as a whole thrives. So whether you’re marching in a rally, mentoring the next generation, or simply enjoying a well-deserved glass of wine while watching a female-led film that passes the Bechdel Test, take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come—and how far we can still go.

Here’s to equality, empowerment, and a future where every woman’s voice is heard, respected, and valued. Because when it comes to equality, the only thing we should be fighting over is who gets the last slice of pizza.

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