Dear friend,
Today is “Women's Equality Day” — a day to commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which is widely known as the day women were granted the right to vote.
But what is left out of that narrative is that on this day 103 years ago, the right to vote was only extended to white women. Even though Black women played a critical role in the suffragette movement, millions were still excluded from voting after this victory in 1920.
Today, we are still fighting back against voter suppression and other attacks on our rights, including last year’s Supreme Court decision that stripped away the control we have over our own bodies.
The sad truth is that we have yet to see true “equality” for all women. That’s why we are standing alongside the League of Women Voters to instead declare today, August 26, Women’s Inequality Day.
To me, women’s equality means a world where ALL women — including Black, Latine, Indigenous, immigrant, AAPI, and LGBTQIA2S+ — have a fair and equal ability to vote, live, work, love, and thrive in this country. If you have a moment, please watch my short video where I share what this day means to me >>>
On this Women's Inequality Day, I’m taking the time to reflect on what it means to embrace equity in our collective vision for all women in this country.
Together, let us foster an inclusive dialogue that amplifies the stories, experiences, and aspirations of all women. By acknowledging the historical exclusion of communities of color from the women's equality narrative, we can forge a path toward true progress.
Despite attempts to silence us and dismantle our rights, let us continue the fight to embrace equity.
Let us work together to restore and expand reproductive rights.
Let us protect women’s voices at the ballot box.
Finally, let us add the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution to enshrine our fundamental right to equal treatment under the law.
We can and must right the wrongs of history.
Thank you for your unwavering support, dedication, and belief in the power of equality. Together, we can reshape Women's Inequality Day into a symbol of unity, justice, and empowerment for every woman.
Our fight is not complete until every woman's voice is heard, and every woman's rights are upheld.
In solidarity,
Kica Matos
President
National Immigration Law Center
P.S. Join us this Women’s Inequality Day by using the hashtag #EmbraceEquity on social media.
