Did You Know?

4 Interesting Facts You Should Know About Women's Equality Day

First and foremost, what is Women’s Equality Day and why is it celebrated? This holiday commemorates when American women—but not all women—were granted the right to vote thanks to the 19^th Amendment passed in August of 1920. This day marked the beginning of women’s long fight for political equality in America.

Not All Women Were Guaranteed the Right to Vote

Although this holiday was a big step for some women, Black American women were not guaranteed the right to vote. Although Black women could not be denied the right to vote based on sex—some did in fact vote—most were disenfranchised by poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses which kept them from being able to participate. It’s also important to note that Asian American and Native American women would not be granted the right to vote for some decades later. This year, America celebrates Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black and Asian American vice president in U.S. history.

New Zealand was the Trail Blazer Country for Women’s Suffrage

In 1893, governor Lord Glasgow signed an Electoral Act into law that gave women the right to vote. This made New Zealand the first country in the world to allow women to participate in parliamentary elections. New Zealand continues to represent women in politics and it’s not uncommon for women to hold seats in the country’s key constitutional positions. In fact, the current prime minister, Jacinda Arden, is a woman.

Saudi Arabia is the Most Recent Country to Allow Women to Vote

It wasn’t until 2015 that King Abdullah granted women in Saudi Arabia the right to vote and run for office. Another major milestone for the women’s suffrage movement in Saudi Arabia was in 2018 when women were granted driving permits. The granting of permits allowed more women to be able to drive themselves to polling booths.

American Women Ran for Office Before They Could Vote

Although women couldn’t vote before the 19^th Amendment, they could run for office—and they did! In 1866, Elizabeth Cady Stanton was the first woman to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. Victoria Woodhull ran for president of the United States in 1872. In 1877, Susanna Salter was made the first female mayor in Kansas and in the country. Prior to the 19^th Amendment, Jeannette Rankin became the first woman elected to Congress in 1916.

Although Women’s Equality Day is a U.S. holiday, there are plenty of reasons to acknowledge and appreciate women’s suffrage from around the world. Take some time today to remember all the strong women—past and present—that have made a positive political impact.