What is Women's equality?

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Claudia Gallick
  • 80th Fighter Squadron
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  One of the most significant events in U.S. women's history happened Aug. 26, 1920. 

On this day the 19th amendment became law giving women the right to vote. The 19th Amendment states "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." 

On women's equality day it is important for us to remember those inspiring individuals who fought for equality in our great Nation. Some of those determined individuals were Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Stanton as well as many others. Women Suffrage groups like the American Woman Suffrage Association and the National Woman Suffrage Association were created. Later these two groups joined together to form National American Woman Suffrage Association and Elizabeth Stanton was the president for this organization. Later, by the year of 1890 Wyoming was the first state to let women vote. By the end of 1918 women could vote in about 14 states.

In modern days women continue to strive for this justice and to ensure that all men and women are equal. Such as those women who volunteer to wear the uniform of the United States by serving in our Armed Forces. As well as other women who shape our world in their many different walks of life. Even today we continue to fight discrimination against women candidates and office-holders.

Our main goal as women today is to shape the world and way of life for future women in our generations to come. We need to continue to fight for equality, and shape the world in the way we what to see our kids and grandkids grow up. This special day will continue for generations to come, and every year we should make more people aware of this special day in our Nation's history.

In 1971, President Carter designated August 26 as Women's Equality Day, as a reminder of women's continuing efforts for equality. 

"It took women 72 years to win the right to vote, we can not afford to let this day go unnoticed," said Master Sgt. Cynthia Franklin, 80th Fighter Squadron. "I encourage not only women but all personnel come out to the Base Exchange Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to ensure they are registered to vote. Let this be the year not only that you register and but vote as well."