August 26th is Women’s Equality Day, the 103rd anniversary of women’s suffrage in the U.S. First introduced as a motion in 1971 and formally adopted in 1973, this is a day which celebrates and honors the women’s suffrage movement and acknowledges the hurdles that women have had to overcome in their stride towards equality and progress.

Simply put, if we do not have a seat at the table, the important history and stories will only be told from the perspective of men, especially those in in leadership, and the crucial needs and requisites for women to successfully grow their worth and uplift their families will go unmet. Women in leadership roles can tell the stories of their own survival and listen to the stories of others reality, which can lead to societal and institutional changes that benefit the entire community." 

Business & Professional Womens’ mission of information, education, and advocacy has always spoken to me from the first time I learned about the organization, and it still speaks to me. As a woman, I am proud to be part of an organization that supports and empowers other women, we are proud to commemorate this day.

The fight for equity and empowerment, access and opportunity continue, and we must engage more people. Understanding the impact and importance of gender equality and the significance of equal rights for women goes a long way to create the awareness that brings about the crucial changes that is needed in professional and personal lives. If you are asking people to become involved in a 'fight,' they must understand how it benefits them, their family, their workplace, and their community.  They must have a vested interest. Whatever the fight, it boils down to answering the question, 'What’s in it for me?' A 65-year-old soon to be retired man can be convinced to join the fight for pay equity when he realizes that the benefit will impact his working daughter and granddaughters.

 A 20-something-year-old woman can be convinced to join the fight to reduce prescription drug costs when she realizes that it will impact the health and welfare of her grandmother who has just been diagnosed with diabetes. Once invested, people will bring their personal experiences, needs and villages to the fight and the conversation expands and become more inclusive." 

There are challenging conversations to be had and decisions to be made.

Let’s celebrate Women’s Equality Day 2023 by Embracing Equity.