Recognizing women’s rights

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Madysen Nyberg, Women's Equality Day Committee

Hill Air Force Base – Women’s rights activist, Lucretia Mott, once said, “Any great change must expect opposition, because it shakes the very foundation of privilege.”  Women’s Equality Day, celebrated annually on August 26, observes the passing of the 19th Amendment to our Constitution. The amendment prohibited the government from denying the right to vote based on gender, which allowed women the right to vote. In November 1920, over eight million women across the nation voted for the first time. Up until that point, the women’s suffrage movement had met many obstacles, with no resolution. This was a victory.

While this day is about the ratification of the 19th Amendment, it should also serve as a remembrance of the sacrifices of those who came before us; and to serve as an inspiration to those still in the fight, who continue in the pursuit for true equality started over 100 years ago.

We have an obligation to this country, as well as future generations, to ensure the recognition of women’s rights, no matter the level. As we recognize them, we must reiterate women’s rights are in fact human rights. This fight will not end until everyone, in every aspect of life, experiences equality. We should all see the importance of our voices and continue the profound work others fought so hard to secure. The responsibility to ensure this movement continues to progress and aid in women persistently break glass ceilings, falls on all of us, and serves as the true meaning of women’s equality.  

As a female, active duty service member the women’s equality platform is the only reason I can do what I do.  The Women’s Armed Services integration Act, signed into law in 1948, provided me the opportunity to serve and protect this country. This could not happen without all of the work accomplished by the women’s suffrage movement and their victory of the 19th Amendment.