Z Women’s Turn : Women’s Equality Day

Honoring the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

By Katherine Hall

ALEXANDRIA,VA- August 26 is Women’s Equality Day. In 1973, the U.S. Congress designated this day to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. Celebrating this monumental legislation is even more exciting as we approach the 100th anniversary of the Amendment next year.

The Alexandria Commission for Women looks forward to celebrating this historic milestone next year, but we also recognize that the fight for women’s equality is far from over. The ACW Status of Women Report, released in November 2018, found that women in Alexandria continue to experience inequality in many areas, including but not limited to compensation, housing, and healthcare. And while women of all backgrounds continue to face inequality, women of color as a group face greater disparities.

For example, while there is an increased presence of women in city government, many of the highest-level elected positions are still primarily filled by men. In many instances, women in Alexandria continue to make less than their male counterparts. In fact, after controlling for education and experience in the workplace, women in Alexandria are earning 85 cents for every dollar a man earns. Further, the unemployment level for black and Latina women in Alexandria is nearly twice as high as it is for white and Asian women. These are just some of the examples of continued inequality that women in Alexandria face today.

As the Alexandria Commission for Women prepares for the year ahead, we are excited to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment. As we reflect on the impact this significant amendment had in improving the equality of women across our nation, we know it will inspire us to continue on in our work to fight for the equality of all women in Alexandria.

We encourage all Alexandrians to read the ACW Status of Women Report, which can be found on the www.alexandriava.gov website. If you have questions or would like to know more about areas in which you can assist, please email us at [email protected].