Every year on August 26, we recognize Women’s Equality Day, a day that marks the anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the long fight to earn women the right to vote in the United States. It’s an important moment to honor the women who came before us, and to think about how we keep their work going.

When I reflect on this day, I think about the women who marched, organized, and didn’t give up - often in the face of real danger. They didn’t always agree on how to move forward, but they all believed in something bigger: that women should have a voice, and that voice should matter.

That fight didn’t end with the right to vote. Today, women are still working hard to make sure we achieve full constitutional equality through the Equal Rights Amendment. We’re fighting to ensure that equality extends to the workplace, access to healthcare, safety from violence and discrimination, and fair representation in leadership and government. That’s why our advocacy is more important than ever.

As Vice President of Advocacy, this work is deeply personal to me. I do it because I believe that every woman deserves to be heard. I do it because I’ve seen how policy affects our daily lives—from how much we’re paid to how safe we feel in our communities. I believe in a future where the women who come after us have more equality than we do today - and I believe that future starts with us speaking up and showing up.

So, as we honor Women’s Equality Day, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect—but also to act. Here are three simple things you can do:

●       Participate in our ERA advocacy campaign.
●       Make sure you’re registered to vote—and remind others to do the same.
●       Join our advocacy committee and help drive change.

This day is about more than looking back—it’s about moving forward. Let’s keep going, together.

Emily VanVleck

2nd Vice President of ADVOCACY

NFBPWC 2024-2026