Every year on August 26, Americans celebrate Women's Equality Day, which was introduced by Bella Abzug and first celebrated in 1971.
Bella Abzug (1920—1998) — American politician, lawyer, public figure, writer, news commentator and feminist with Russian roots — her parents emigrated to the United States from Russia. In 1970, she became the first Jewish woman elected to the American Congress (she served from 1971 to 1976). She was remembered not only for her active work, but also for her large hat —, both of which attracted extreme attention to Abzug.
But the path to establishing Women's Equality Day began in the mid-19th century. At the Seneca Falls Woman's Rights Convention in 1848, a group of enthusiasts gathered and proclaimed that «all men and women were created equal», and that the « creator gave them certain inalienable rights».
The assembly grew into a national movement that led to the passage of the 19th Amendment — Woman Suffrage Amendmen — to the US Constitution in 1920, giving women full voting rights.
The adoption of this amendment was the culmination of a massive women's civil rights movement that lasted for many decades in a row. However, it took many more years to achieve the implementation of this law in practice so that all women, regardless of color and race, could fully enjoy their rights.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the adoption of this amendment, today's holiday was established.
It is known that in some countries women still face extreme human rights violations such as female circumcision, and many are forced into prostitution or marriage as children.
Therefore, while celebrating Women's Equality Day, the American government and US specialized organizations continue to actively advocate for women's rights around the world.