Women's Equality Day

Every year, on August 26, the United States commemorates the day on which women's right to vote became part of the constitution. This day, Women's Equality Day, may seem like a celebration of an important event in history. It is that of course, but it is also more — though we women may take our right to vote for granted today, the struggle for women's equality is far from over.

Nowhere is that clearer than in the health sector. Most essential and pressing healthcare issues are related to women.

One website believes that men should do the dishes and women the DIY on Women's Equality Day. As a feminist, the very thought makes me cringe. Instead, let's remember how hard our forebears fought to gain the rights we take for granted today, and let's press on with the fight. Because Women's Equality Day is about equality, and about equal rights.

Women's Rights Achievements Since 1920

In 1920, the 19^th amendment to the US constitution was ratified, giving women that right to vote. The same year, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was introduced to Congress. It states:

In 1940, 25 percent of women had jobs outside of the home — a figure that rose to 43 percent by 1969. With the rise in women's employment came the rise in the employment of married women; 15 percent of married women worked out of the home in 1940, while 30 percent of married women was employed by 1960.

The birth control pill was first approved for use in 1960 as well. It revolutionized women's lives — for the first time in history, a safe and reliable form of pregnancy prevention gave women control over their own bodies and reproduction. 

The introduction of the Equal Pay Act in 1961 certainly helped working women in the fight for equal treatment, though it wasn't passed by Congress until exactly a decade later. 1971 was also the year in which gender discrimination was banned in public schools.

Then, in 1973, we had Roe vs Wade — that all important ruling that gave women the right to abortion. This ruling still protects a woman's rights to terminate a pregnancy today.

Many important achievements were made, in short. But the fight isn't over. And not everybody has the same definition of “equal rights”.