Celebrating Women’s History Month: From Women’s Suffrage to a Woman Vice President
Women’s History Month gives us time to reflect on the often overlooked contributions of women to history, culture and society. This month, we give thanks to the women who fought for the right to vote, from Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Alice Paul, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, Lucretia Mott and more, to present day, Stacey Abrams who continues the fight against voter suppression.
The fight for women’s right to vote goes back to 1848, when Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott organized the first women’s rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York. There, they created the Declaration of Sentiments listing their agenda for improving women’s rights, including protecting gender equality, the right to an education and the ability to vote.
The right for women to vote was a fight that wasn’t an easy one. Susan B. Anthony was arrested in 1872 for trying to vote for Ulysses S. Grant for president. The same year, Sojourner Truth appeared at a polling station demanding a ballot, but was turned away. Alice Paul was arrested and tortured. In 1932, Alice Paul went on to draft the Equal Rights Amendment, which has yet to be ratified.
On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. This granted white American women the right to vote. While women could legally vote in 1920, minority women could not vote until 1965 when the Voting Rights Act was passed.
2020 marked a milestone year for women voting in the United States, a full century after the passage of the 19th Amendment. It was also a pivotal year due to women such as Stacey Abrams who helped mobilize more than 800,000 people in Georgia to vote in the 2020 election, helping us to witness a revolutionary shift in leadership in our country. A record-breaking number of women won seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, totaling 102 women who now serve in this role.
On January 20, 2021, another great milestone for women was reached. Kamala D. Harris became the first woman, the first African American woman, the first Indian American, and the first person of Caribbean and Asian American descent to be sworn in as Vice President of the United States of America. During her speech, Harris acknowledged the people who paved the way for her to become the first woman and woman of color Vice President, reflecting on their struggle, determination and the strength of their vision and recognizing that she stands on their shoulders.
While Harris’ history-making role is a win for the millions of women who are often overlooked, historically underrepresented and systematically ignored, the fight for gender equity and women’s rights continues. By exercising your right to vote and being an ally for women around the world who are still fighting to exercise their own right to vote, you can advance gender equity. We invite you to add your voice for equality to ours. Find out how you can put your faith into action. >
With gratitude,
Bria Taylor
Communications Associate