Women's Equality Day

Celebrating Women's Equality Day: Honoring History and Driving Change Forward

As we approach August 26, 2025, Women's Equality Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality. At McPherson Berry, we're committed to fostering inclusive environments and supporting initiatives that empower women. This day not only commemorates a pivotal moment in American history but also calls us to action in our workplaces, communities, and beyond. In this blog post, we'll explore the rich history behind Women's Equality Day and share practical ways companies and organizations can promote it, ensuring progress continues year-round.

The History of Women's Equality Day

Women's Equality Day traces its roots to the women's suffrage movement, culminating in a landmark achievement for gender rights in the United States. On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was certified, granting women the right to vote after decades of tireless activism by suffragists like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Sojourner Truth.

This amendment marked a significant victory, though it's important to note that it primarily benefited white women at the time, as discriminatory practices continued to disenfranchise women of color until later reforms.

The formal recognition of this date as Women's Equality Day came much later. In 1971, at the urging of Representative Bella Abzug (D-NY), Congress passed a joint resolution designating August 26 as a day to celebrate women's progress toward equality.

The resolution was officially enacted in 1973, and President Richard Nixon issued the first proclamation in 1972, initially calling it "Women's Rights Day."

Since then, each U.S. President has issued an annual proclamation, highlighting advancements in women's rights while acknowledging the work still needed to achieve full equality.

Over the years, the day has evolved to encompass broader issues beyond voting rights, including equal pay, reproductive rights, and representation in leadership. It stands as a testament to the resilience of women who fought — and continue to fight — for justice, inspiring global movements for gender equity.

What Companies and Organizations Can Do to Promote Women's Equality Day

While reflecting on history is essential, Women's Equality Day is also an opportunity for action. Companies and organizations play a crucial role in advancing gender equality by creating supportive cultures and implementing tangible changes. Here are some impactful strategies to promote the day and sustain its spirit throughout the year:

Educate and Raise Awareness: Host workshops, webinars, or panel discussions on gender equality topics, such as the history of women's rights or current challenges like the gender pay gap. Encourage employees to educate themselves through resources like books, documentaries, or online courses. For instance, organizing a company-wide book club focused on feminist literature can spark meaningful conversations.

Support Women-Led Initiatives: Partner with or donate to organizations that advocate for women's rights, such as the National Women's Law Center or local women's shelters. Companies can also promote women-owned businesses by featuring them in supply chains or hosting vendor fairs. This not only boosts economic empowerment but also demonstrates a commitment to equity.

Implement Inclusive Policies: Review and enhance internal policies to ensure fair pay, flexible work arrangements, and anti-discrimination measures. Conduct pay audits and establish mentoring programs to help women advance into leadership roles. Quotas or targeted recruitment for underrepresented groups can accelerate progress in politics and corporate boards.

Organize Events and Team-Building Activities: Celebrate the day with events like volunteer days at women's organizations, movie nights screening films on women's history (e.g., Suffragette), or collaborative projects centered on women's issues. These activities foster team bonding while raising awareness.

Amplify Women's Voices: Create platforms for women employees to share their stories through blogs, podcasts, or internal newsletters. Recognize achievements with awards or shout-outs, and encourage advocacy by supporting employee resource groups focused on gender equality.

Create Meaningful Swag and Campaigns: Design branded merchandise that promotes equality messages, such as t-shirts with empowering slogans, and distribute them during events. Launch social media campaigns to share stories of progress and call for action, tagging relevant hashtags like #WomensEqualityDay.

Reflect and Commit to Ongoing Action: Encourage teams to reflect on their contributions to gender equity — What barriers exist? How can we remove them? Set measurable goals, like increasing female representation in senior roles, and track progress annually.

By integrating these practices, organizations like ours at McPherson Berry can turn Women's Equality Day into a catalyst for lasting change, benefiting everyone in the workplace.

Conclusion: Let's Build a More Equal Future. Women's Equality Day is more than a historical marker — it's a call to continue the fight for equality in all spheres of life. As we honor the trailblazers of the past, let's commit to actions that uplift women today and tomorrow. At McPherson Berry, we're proud to support these efforts and invite you to join us. Share your thoughts in the comments below: How will you celebrate Women's Equality Day this year? Together, we can make equality a reality for all.