Nearly 100 years ago, the 19th amendment was passed, granting women the right to vote. Tomorrow, we commemorate that moment in American history with Women’s Equality Day.
But, looking back at history today, it’s important to note that while we celebrate women’s suffrage with the passage of the 19th amendment, it did not guarantee this right for all women.
Despite the 19th amendment to constitutionally protect women’s right to vote, women of color still faced disenfranchisement. Barriers like poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses were put up to prevent people of color from accessing the voting box. It was not until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that everyone was guaranteed the right to vote.
So, on Women’s Equality Day, while there is reason to celebrate how far we’ve come for women’s rights, we must still acknowledge how far we have to go for true gender equity. For us, that means celebrating past policy wins while looking ahead to the work that still has to be done.
Because despite all that progress that has been made, Ohio women, on average, are paid only 78 cents for every dollar paid to their male counterparts doing the same work. And, for women of color, that gender wage gap is even larger.
The majority of caregiving duties – when welcoming a new child or caring for a sick or aging family member – fall disproportionately upon women. Without access to paid leave, many women are forced to take a leave of absence from their job or leave the workforce entirely.
Barriers to abortion and other reproductive health services make health care unaccessible and unaffordable for many women, especially young women, low-income women, and women of color. Without access to adequate healthcare and treatment, the goal of equality and economic security is cut short before it begins.
That’s why we’re fighting for equal pay, paid family leave, and abortion access, and so many other policy initiatives through our coalition to continue to push forward with progress and equality for women. You can join us in our efforts by signing up on the ‘Be an Advocate’ page.
