MICHIGAN, USA — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared Aug. 26 as Women's Equality Day to commemorate the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote in 1920.
Michigan was one of the first three states to pass the 19th Amendment. It has also been home to suffragettes like Sojourner Truth, Anna Howard Shaw, Clara Arthur, and Lucia Voorhees Grimes.
Gov. Whitmer said Women's Equality Day honors those who fought for women's rights in the past while recognizing that there is more work to be done.
“Women’s Equality Day is an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate how far we’ve come in the fight for women’s rights,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Here in Michigan, equality and prosperity for everyone are at the core of who we are. Whether it’s protecting reproductive freedom, expanding access to affordable childcare and education, lowering costs, or creating economic opportunity for women, we will continue to break down barriers that have prevented women from reaching their full potential and build a stronger future for women in Michigan and across the nation. Together, let’s honor our past and look forward to a future where our daughters can not just live, but thrive.”
In a release, Gov. Whitmer used the declaration to highlight the legislation she has signed to support women, like enshrining the right to an abortion in the state Constitution, repealing taxes on period products and ensuring pay equity for state employees.
Gov. Whitmer also said her appointees are mostly women or people of color, and officials say her cabinet is the most diverse in Michigan's history.
“As the first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court in its 188-year history, I feel the weight of that milestone because I know personally of the pain and sacrifice of our ancestors,” said Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden. “But I also bear it with great pride in knowing I can inspire a new generation, especially young Black women, to achieve something they never thought possible.”
