For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 24, 2002
Women's Equality Day, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Today, American women enjoy unprecedented opportunities in
business, education, politics, and countless other aspects of our
society. Historically, however, women suffered grave inequalities and
were denied some of the most fundamental benefits of citizenship.
Each year on August 26th, we mark the important anniversary of the
day on which women gained the right to vote. In celebrating Women's
Equality Day, we remember the brave and determined individuals who
worked to ensure that all women have the opportunity to participate in
our democracy. Their dedication to the suffrage movement improved our
society, and continues to inspire women today.
When the first Women's Rights Convention was convened in Seneca
Falls in 1848, women in the United States had limited financial, legal,
and political power. In addition to being denied the right to vote,
they also could not own property, control their wages, or claim custody
of their children.
Courageous heroes like Carrie Chapman Catt, Alice Paul, Elizabeth
Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony refused to accept women's status,
and began a determined struggle to gain suffrage for women. Leading
active and vocal groups like the National American Woman Suffrage
Association and the National Woman's Party, these women risked attack
and arrest to organize marches, boycotts, and pickets, while mobilizing
an influential lobbying force of millions. Finally, on August 26,
1920, the women's suffrage movement accomplished its goal through the
ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing
women the right to vote.
In Afghanistan, the Taliban used violence and fear to deny Afghan
women access to education, health care, mobility, and the right to
vote. Our coalition has liberated Afghanistan and restored fundamental
human rights and freedoms to Afghan women, and all the people of
Afghanistan. Young girls in Afghanistan are able to attend schools for
the first time.
As we celebrate this day, I encourage all Americans to learn about
our important achievements in equality. Looking to the future, we must
remain diligent as we work to ensure the rights of all of our citizens,
and to support those who struggle daily for life's basic liberties.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 26, 2002, as
Women's Equality Day. I call upon the people of the United States to
observe this day with appropriate programs and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third
day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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