Dear John

102 years ago the 19th amendment was officially added to the United States Constitution, ensuring women the right to vote. This was a monumental victory, but our fight for constitutional equality is not over. 

85% of UN Member States in the world have constitutions that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex and/or gender. The United States is not one of them, and is a global outlier. 

For more than a century, feminists have fought to correct that ommision, tirelessly advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment which would guarantee that: 

Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

Incorporating the ERA would embed the principle of sex and gender equality into the most important legal document in the United States. At a time when women’s rights are under severe attack, the ERA would both shield existing rights from political winds as well as help expand protections and liberties for all women, girls, and marginalized genders. 

That’s why this Women’s Equality Day, we’re launching our “I Need the ERA Because” campaign because despite meeting all constitutional requirements necessary to become the 28th amendment, including ratification by 38 states, the ERA has yet to be added to the United States Constitution.

From access to abortion to strengthening protections against gender-based violence, the ERA would make a real difference in the lives of all women and girls in the United States, their families, society, and also the United States’ place in the world.

We invite you to explore our new resources because constitutional equality has never been more important. 

In solidarity

Antonia Kirkland, 
Global Lead, Equality Now

P.S. Interested in doing more? Our friends at the ERA Coalition have an updated list of actions you can take to help make the ERA a reality! 

P.P.S.  Say YES to the Equal Rights Amendment with Tatty Devine's ERA Yes Brooch, a rousing etched and hand-inked motto in support of protection for women and other marginalized genders in the United States Constitution. Now shipping from the US, every purchase supports our work.