“Women’s Equality Day”
“Women and girls can do whatever they want. There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish.” — Michelle Obama
As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day 2024, the above quote from our former first lady is more relevant and inspirational than ever. Women’s Equality Day, which is celebrated every year on August 26, was established in 1971 at behest of Bella Abzug, the Senator from New York. The day commemorates the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the US Constitution prohibiting the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote on the basis of sex.
That kind of progress doesn’t happen overnight, and the struggle for equal rights for women continues today on many levels and in every segment of American life. The passing of the Nineteenth Amendment was the culmination of a women’s civil rights movement that dates back to the Seneca Falls convention in1848, the first formal gathering of its kind. In addition to celebrating the passing the Nineteenth Amendment, Women’s Equality Day shines a bright light on the ongoing efforts of women around the world toward full equality.
Of course, equality is just another word for equity, and the fact that diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are currently under attack in some quarters brings attention and a sense of urgency to the cause of full equality for women. Today, close to 200 years after the Seneca Falls convention, women still earn 16% less than men on average. That means for every dollar a man makes, a woman makes 84 cents. Same work, different pay. For women of color in rural areas, the numbers are much worse, with rural Black and Hispanic women making 56 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men. A 20-year-old woman working full time will lose over $400,000 over a 40-year career compared to her male counterpart.
At FocusWorks, we work with female leaders every day to help them develop the skills they need to not only succeed in business, but also to exceed the baked-in expectations and biases that continue to plague them at work. We embrace Michelle Obama’s “no limit” philosophy when it comes to women in the workplace and in the greater society, and we have the programs, the experience, and the expertise to equip women with the tools they need to build confidence, navigate challenges, and lead from a place of authenticity and power.
FocusWorks’ WELL Program (Women Excel in Life & Leadership) is a great option for any female leader who’s serious about building meaningful connections and sharpening essential leadership skills.