Women's Equality Day Today, President Obama Proclaims Holiday
Monday marks Women's Equality Day, and people everywhere are celebrating the 93rd year of women being able to vote.
Observed each year on Aug. 26, the national holiday commemorates women's fight for equal rights, including the fight that took place long before the passing of the 19th Amendment.
Furthermore, women's fight for equal rights continues to rage on today. For instance, women continue to earn a significant percentage less than men in the workplace, and are still struggling to ensure access to contraceptives.
On Monday, President Obama acknowledged that there is still progress to be made in equal rights for women. The White House released a statement from the President, which proclaimed Monday Women's Equality Day 2013.
"On Women's Equality Day, we celebrate the progress that has been made, and renew our commitment to securing equal rights, freedoms, and opportunities for women everywhere," the proclamation said.
The Commander in Chief continued to cite achievements in women's rights, but also noted "we have more work to do."
"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 26, 2013, as Women's Equality Day," the proclamation read. "I call upon the people of the United States to celebrate the achievements of women and promote gender equality in our country."
Just as Women's Equality Day arrives, a female pioneer in the work place, Muriel Siebert, is being mourned. The first female member of the New York Stock Exchange died on Saturday, Aug. 24 at the age of 80.
Jane Macon, a director of Siebert Financial, confirmed Siebert's death, adding that the deceased was "a fabulous women, a trailblazer and a pioneer," according to People.com.
On Twitter, several users are celebrating Women's Equality Day, including Governor Dan Malloy.
"Today we observe Women's Equality Day to celebrate past accomplishments & recognize goals that still need to be met," the Connecticut governor posted.
Twitter user Brittany added, "Happy National Women's Equality Day! Yay women!"