Women’s Equality Day: Celebrating 104 Years of Progress and Innovation
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the number of U.S. holidays filling up your calendars or social feeds, you're not alone. However, this day is one worth pausing to appreciate. Women’s Equality Day marks a pivotal moment that has deeply influenced our lives in the U.S. and around the globe.
A Moment to Reflect
On August 26, 1920, after years of relentless campaigning by women’s suffrage activists, the 19th Amendment was ratified, granting women the right to vote. By 1980, women’s voter participation in U.S. presidential elections had surpassed that of men, reflecting their eagerness for progress and innovation—a spark ignited by this historic amendment.
104 Years Later
We have much to show for it. The influence of women’s voting power can be seen in numerous cultural and societal shifts. Without their involvement in the U.S. electorate, laws allowing women to purchase homes, open bank accounts independently, remain in the workforce post-motherhood, and take on leadership roles in politics might not exist. These advancements have benefited not just women, but society as a whole.
Women Continue to Drive Change Globally in 2024
Across various fields, women are leading the charge, shaping industries, and influencing legislation. Some notable leaders include:
A Moment to Reflect
On August 26, 1920, after years of relentless campaigning by women’s suffrage activists, the 19th Amendment was ratified, granting women the right to vote. By 1980, women’s voter participation in U.S. presidential elections had surpassed that of men, reflecting their eagerness for progress and innovation—a spark ignited by this historic amendment.
104 Years Later
We have much to show for it. The influence of women’s voting power can be seen in numerous cultural and societal shifts. Without their involvement in the U.S. electorate, laws allowing women to purchase homes, open bank accounts independently, remain in the workforce post-motherhood, and take on leadership roles in politics might not exist. These advancements have benefited not just women, but society as a whole.
Women Continue to Drive Change Globally in 2024
Across various fields, women are leading the charge, shaping industries, and influencing legislation. Some notable leaders include:
- Jane Fraser, CEO of Citi, a global financial institution.
- Naomi Osaka, founder of Kinlo and renowned professional tennis player.
- Adi Tatarko, co-founder and former CEO of Houzz, a home design platform.
- Julia Hartz, CEO and co-founder of Eventbrite, an event ticketing system.
- Leah Busque, founder of TaskRabbit, revolutionizing household tasks.
- Payal Kadakia, founder of ClassPass, a fitness class booking platform.
- Kamala Harris, current U.S. Vice President and the Democratic candidate for U.S. President, holding the highest elected office ever attained by a woman in U.S. history.
This impressive list only scratches the surface of the many accomplished women leading industries worldwide.
Increasing Diversity in Innovation with WIN++
In 2019, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office reported that women were listed as inventors on just 13% of patents. In response, Cisco launched the WIN++ program in 2020, offering mentorship to small, diverse teams with the goal of submitting patent applications. Since then, the number of unique female inventors at Cisco has increased by over 30%, and patent submissions featuring at least one female inventor have surged by 67%.
Celebrating Women’s Equality Day and Looking Forward
The pioneers and progress we honor today are a testament to the resilience and determination of countless women who have shaped history. As we move forward, may we continue to draw inspiration from their legacy, pushing for further change, breaking down barriers, and expanding opportunities for everyone.
Click here if you to get involved or learn more about the WIN++ program.
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