Celebrating Women’s Equality Day

Celebrating Women’s Equality Day: A Reflection on Struggles and Triumphs
Each year on 26th August, the world marks Women’s Equality Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the monumental achievements in the fight for women’s rights and acknowledging the ongoing struggle for gender equality. This day is particularly significant as it commemorates the hard-fought battle for women’s suffrage—a right that was denied to half the population for centuries. While the fight for the vote was won long ago in many countries, including the UK, the broader struggle for equality continues, especially for women of colour and those in nations where even the most basic rights remain out of reach.
The Historical Struggle for Women’s Rights in the UK
In the 19th century, women in the United Kingdom, much like their counterparts in other parts of the world, were largely excluded from the political arena. They were not allowed to vote, had limited property rights, and often faced significant discrimination in the workplace. These conditions spurred a determined movement for women’s rights, leading to the birth of the suffragette movement.
The campaign for women’s suffrage in the UK gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with organisations like the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) and the more militant Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) leading the charge. The WSPU, founded by Emmeline Pankhurst in 1903, became famous for its motto, “Deeds, not words,” and its members—known as suffragettes—engaged in acts of civil disobedience, protests, and hunger strikes to draw attention to their cause.
The outbreak of World War I in 1914 marked a turning point in the struggle for women’s suffrage. As men went off to fight, women stepped into roles traditionally held by men, working in factories, farms, and offices, and contributing significantly to the war effort. Their invaluable contributions during the war highlighted the hypocrisy of denying women a voice in the political process.
In 1918, the Representation of the People Act was passed, granting the vote to women over the age of 30 who met certain property qualifications. This was a significant step forward, but it was not until the Equal Franchise Act of 1928 that women in the UK achieved full voting equality with men, with the voting age for women lowered to 21, the same as for men.
The Global Struggle for Women’s Rights
While the UK made significant strides in securing voting rights for women, the fight for gender equality is far from over. Around the world, women continue to face systemic discrimination, economic inequality, and political marginalisation. The wage gap between men and women persists, with women—particularly women of colour—earning less than their male counterparts for the same work.
In some parts of the world, the right to vote is still denied to women. For instance, in Vatican City, only male cardinals are eligible to vote, effectively excluding women from the electoral process. In Brunei, where there are no national elections, women are similarly denied the opportunity to participate in political decision-making. These examples, while exceptions, underscore the ongoing global struggle for women’s political rights.
For Black and Asian women, the challenges are even more pronounced. In many countries, the intersection of race and gender discrimination results in additional barriers to equality. In the UK, while women’s suffrage was secured in 1928, women of colour have often faced greater obstacles in exercising their rights and achieving equality in other areas of life, such as employment and education.
Empowering Women through Education and Advocacy
One of the most effective ways to combat the oppression that women continue to face is through education. Education is a powerful tool that can empower women to challenge systemic inequalities and advocate for their rights. However, access to education often requires financial support, and many women, particularly those from marginalised communities, struggle to afford the resources necessary to pursue their studies.
Organisations like the Anah Project play a crucial role in this context. By providing funding and support for women’s education, they help to break the cycle of poverty and oppression. Educated women are more likely to participate in the political process, advocate for their communities, and inspire future generations of women to fight for their rights. Supporting women’s education is not just about individual empowerment; it is about creating a more just and equitable society for all.
Action !
Women’s Equality Day is a powerful reminder of the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done. As we celebrate the achievements of women’s rights activists, let us also recognise the unique struggles that women—particularly Black, Asian, and other marginalised women—continue to face. By empowering women through education, advocacy, and support, we can ensure that the fight for equality continues until every woman, in every corner of the world, has an equal voice and an equal opportunity to thrive.
Vice President Kamala Harris once said, “We are all equal and should be treated that way.” This statement encapsulates the essence of Women’s Equality Day. It is a call to action, a reminder that the fight for equality is not just a women’s issue but a human issue.
This Women’s Equality Day, let us renew our commitment to the cause of gender equality and take meaningful steps towards a future where no woman is denied her fundamental rights. Let us stand together in the ongoing fight for equality, justice, and empowerment for all women.