Philadelphia Bar Association Release Statement in Honor of Women’s Equality Day

The Philadelphia Bar Association released the following statement in honor of Women’s Equality Day:

One hundred and two years ago today, after more than 70 hard-fought years of advocacy and persistence, the 19^th Amendment granting women the right to vote was signed into law. The passage of the 19^th Amendment was a seismic change: American women won the right to participate in the political process as voters and, for the first time, the opportunity to freely shape their own future as enfranchised citizens.

What led to the passage of the amendment is nothing short of a miracle. The women’s suffrage movement proved that those without power can still achieve real and lasting change if they are willing to sacrifice, and organize. These women, along with many male allies, were able to obtain success through a culmination of peaceful, non-violent tactics such as coordinated public action, lobbying, local and precinct organizing, campaigning, and picketing; spearheading a new type of political organization in which progress for social justice can be accomplished without violence. 

Today, as we reflect on the strong women who shaped the suffrage movement, may we all find renewed motivation to continue writing our history, to work toward inclusion, justice, and equity, and to advocate for a better future for all citizens. Sadly, the fight for voting equality did not end on August 26, 1920 as it is still an ongoing battle being fought on the ground in local election offices, through voter registration, and via protests and rallies.

As the suffragists knew all too well, voting is the cornerstone of democracy. Our elected officials define and create our laws – from local to state to federal – every legislator has an impact. Today, on Women’s Equality Day, the Philadelphia Bar Association encourages each of you to do the following:

1. Register to vote or encourage someone you know to register to vote.
2. Take the time to educate yourself and others about the candidates in your upcoming election.
3. Help voters before or during election day..

More information about how to register to vote, how to help in the upcoming election, and how to find all candidates on your own ballot this Fall – and easily compare where they stand on important issues – can be found at www.vote411.org.

"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." – Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg