The United States Women’s Equality Day commemorates the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which in 1920 gave women in America the right to vote. It was designated by a joint resolution of Congress in 1971 and passed in 1973. Although not a national holiday, Women’s Equality Day has been celebrated on August 26 every year since then.
This landmark legislation banned the federal government and individual states from denying voting rights based on sex. In so doing, it empowered women across the nation by granting them a fundamental democratic right. With the ability to vote, women have gained a powerful voice in shaping the political landscape, forcing candidates to address women’s issues and paving the way for female representation in government.
Women’s Equality Day 2024 promises to be a significant occasion that will celebrate the hard-fought achievements of women in their journey toward equality. It’s a day where we can all recognize and honor the significant progress that has been made. But it’s also important to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done.
So how should we celebrate Women’s Equality Day 2024 to make it meaningful?
Without a doubt, engaging in conversations about women’s rights, empowerment, and equality is a good way to start. But we can take this a step further in 2024. We have the opportunity to celebrate Women’s Equality Day 2024 in an especially meaningful way by embracing internal communication strategies that inspire, educate, and empower. Here are some ideas for you to embrace. Also be sure to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) communications into the conversation.
Why Women’s Equality Day Matters
Many stories about American suffragettes are legendary. Many women were arrested and force-fed in prison in 1917 after peacefully picketing the White House for the right to vote. It wasn’t a new story. Women had been protesting since 1848 for the right to be heard.
But Women’s Equality Day 2024 and previous “equality days” aren’t only about voting rights. They are a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in all aspects of life. They are also a commemoration of some of the accomplishments women have achieved en masse, including:
- Growing political participation, with an ever-increasing number of women taking their place in public office. A good example is Kamala Harris, who, on January 20, 2021, became the first woman vice president and highest-ranking female official in U.S. history. In 2024, she is campaigning for president!
- Increased education that gives women opportunities to compete, very often successfully, with men.
- Opportunities to participate in the workplace that have increased in ways many women never dreamed possible. According to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report released in April 2023, the rapid rise in women’s labor force participation was a major development in the labor market during the second half of the 20th century. But there’s still a way to go. Although women’s labor force participation peaked in 1999, it was at its lowest rate in 2021 — 56.1% vs 60%. Another report, published in March 2024, states that in 2023 women’s earnings were 83.6% of men’s.
- Opportunities to earn more than men. The 2024 BLS report shows that in some occupations, women’s earnings as a percentage of men’s are higher. Producers and directors (122.6%); production, planning, and expediting clerks (99.9%); other physicians (99.6%); and social and human service assistants (99.5%).
Need for Progress
In 2024, more than half a century after Women’s Equality Day was legally immortalized, it’s crucial to highlight the continued need for progress and the role each individual plays in promoting equality. Much has been achieved, but there are still gender pay gaps, gender gaps in education, and far more men versus women in leadership roles. One way to overcome these inconsistencies is to raise understanding and widespread awareness throughout the nation.
There is no doubt that Women’s Equality Day 2024 will be a crucial reminder of the progress made in the fight for gender equality and a powerful call to action for continued efforts. In fact, The United Nations warns, “Achieving gender equality and women’s well-being in all aspects of life is more crucial than ever if we want to create prosperous economies and a healthy planet. However, we are facing a key challenge: the alarming $360 billion annual deficit in gender-equality measures by 2030.”
Harnessing the Power of Internal Communication
Internal communication is a potent tool that can be used to effectively foster awareness, understanding, and support for Women’s Equality Day 2024. Here are some effective ways to celebrate the day through internal communication:
1. Women’s Equality Day Quotes
Quotes have a remarkable ability to inspire and capture the essence of important concepts. An excellent way to do this is to incorporate impactful Women’s Equality Day quotes into your internal communications. For instance, you could share quotes from historical figures, contemporary leaders, or even your own colleagues reflecting on what equality means to them.
Here are a few examples:
If we don’t lift women, everyone will fall short.
Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States
No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contribution of half its citizens.
Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States
The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.
Gloria Steinem, American journalist and social-political activist
I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.
Audre Lorde, American writer, professor, philosopher, and radical feminist
Women are the real architects of society.
Cher, American singer, actress, and TV personality
Women, like men, should try to do the impossible. And when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others.
Amelia Earhart, American aviation pioneer and writer
Freedom cannot be achieved unless women have been emancipated from all kinds of oppression.
Nelson Mandela, apartheid activist and the first president of South Africa
2. Educational Workshops and Webinars
Organize virtual workshops or webinars that delve into the history of Women’s Equality Day and the broader feminist movement. Address the challenges women continue to face and discuss actionable steps to promote gender equality in the workplace and beyond. Invite experts to share insights and facilitate discussions with them.
Then share reports and outcomes of these discussions.
3. Highlight Employee Stories
Give voice to the experiences and achievements of women within your organization. Share stories of women who have broken barriers, shattered glass ceilings, and made significant contributions to your workplace. This not only celebrates their accomplishments but also serves as an inspiration for others.
Just be aware that you are going to have to ask employees to share their experiences. So, communicate with employees in your workplace to let them know you want ideas from them on how to celebrate Women’s Equality Day in the best way possible.
4. Women’s Equality Day Social Media Posts
Utilize your company’s internal social media platforms to share informative and engaging Women’s Equality Day posts. You can share historical facts, infographics showcasing progress, and anecdotes that emphasize the importance of equality. Encourage employees to join the conversation and share their thoughts.
5. Interactive Quizzes and Polls
Create fun and interactive quizzes, polls, or employee engagement events centered around women’s achievements and milestones. These activities encourage employees to learn while actively participating in the celebration. Questions could range from historical trivia to modern-day challenges women still face.
The bottom line here is that you might learn a lot too! You could even offer a prize for devising how to celebrate Women’s Equality Day and then use the advice to up your game in 2024.
6. Virtual Film Screenings and Book Clubs
Host virtual screenings of documentaries or films that highlight women’s struggles and achievements. Alternatively, initiate a book club focusing on literature authored by women or tackling themes of gender equality. Consider raising money for a worthwhile charity by selling books at your own Women’s Equality Day 2024 function.
Why Not Celebrate Women’s Equality Day Every Day?
As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day 2024, remember that promoting gender equality is not limited to a single day. It’s an ongoing effort that requires continuous commitment.
Through thoughtful internal communication strategies, we can make strides toward a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Strategies we can embrace include sharing Women’s Equality Day quotes, hosting educational events, amplifying employee stories, and leveraging social media posts. In this way, we can inspire change and foster a culture of equality that extends far beyond this day of celebration.
What’s Next?
Our internal communication software, Cerkl Broadcast, has helped hundreds of companies personally engage their employees. Access a free DEI communication checklist to share within your organization. Review the types of content your team creates and distributes across your channels and find the best way to celebrate Women’s Equality Day in 2024.
FAQ
Women’s Equality Day has been celebrated on August 26 every year since 1973. It commemorates the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which in 1920 gave women in America the right to vote.
Women’s Equality Day originated in the United States. Congress designated August 26 as Women’s Equality Day through a joint resolution in 1971, which was officially enacted in 1973.
Gender equality is important in 2024 and beyond because it ensures fairness, justice, and the full realization of human potential by breaking down barriers that limit opportunities and rights based on gender.
Employees can contribute to Women’s Equality Day in many ways, from learning about the history of women’s rights to raising awareness about gender equality issues on social media. They can also participate in company-sponsored events, attend company-organized workshops on gender equality, or become a mentor to young female colleagues, sharing their knowledge and experience to help them succeed.
