On August 26, the United States observes Women's Equality Day, a tribute to the Nineteenth Amendment ratified in 1920, prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on gender. This day pays homage to the amendment's significance in granting American women the right to vote, empowering millions and fostering societal change.
Women of color have always had a strong commitment to the suffrage movement. Suffrage provided African American women with a means of self-determination and community advancement. Gaining the right to vote was crucial, particularly for African American women in the South, who saw African American males win the vote through federal law but be denied access due to state loopholes. African American women have consistently fought for civil rights for the entire African American community since the beginning of the suffrage movement, not just for the voting rights of African American women. This helped African American males in particular because anti-lynching activities were an important aspect of the civil rights movement after the 15th Amendment, which only granted voting rights to African American men, was passed.
Recent research has shown that Black women who work in entrepreneurship still face disparities and challenges today. According to one study, only Black women with advanced degrees are opening firms in the United States. We discovered that more than three-fourths of Black women entrepreneurs have at least a college degree, despite the fact that slightly more than one-fourth of Black women in the general population have a college degree or higher level of education. Universities are therefore in a unique position to provide Black women experiences and learning opportunities that would allow them to practice entrepreneurship, acquire skills for overcoming obstacles, and also provide peer support and collaboration.
Women's Equality Day is pivotal in providing us with an opportunity to learn. This day serves as a reminder for us to spend some time reviewing women's history and learning about the fascinating and complex history of women's rights in the United States and around the world - it drives home how far we still have to go. Women still encounter professional challenges, general misogyny, and other hurdles to their well-being and success in the United States and around the world despite significant advancements over the past century and a half.
By celebrating Women’s Equality Day, we are able to amplify how far we have to go in eradicating the inequalities that women of color have to endure - especially in the business sector - and the importance of supporting one another. Here at Julo, we take pride in our black entrepreneurs. Particularly, these amazing women who are demonstrating that we are just as capable, strong, hardworking, and have the intention to succeed. Get to know more about these amazing women-owned brands here:
And lastly, this day serves as a reminder to be grateful. Remembering to express gratitude to those who have worked hard for us is not always simple. Make a point to do something special for the significant women in your life – not just because of Women’s Equality Day, but because they should be celebrated every day.
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