In 1973, the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day.” The date commemorates the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The movement began in 1848 at the world’s first women’s rights convention, in Seneca Falls, NY.

The observance of Women’s Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality.

History is complicated. Troublesome. Inspiring as well as disappointing. The larger suffrage movement didn’t include all women. At times the larger movement left out women of color and poor women while championing the right to vote.

On Women’s Equality Day, let’s commemorate all the sacrifices of the past, learn from what fell short, celebrate the progress, and continue to break down barriers that keep voters from casting a ballot. We now have a chance to make change with our fight today for equality to be inclusive - to fight together and to fight for all women.