Celebrating women's suffrage on Women's Equality Day

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt Jennifer Colby
  • 71st Force Support Squadron
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The Air Force will observe Women's Equality Day Aug. 26. 

On this particular day, all Air Force members are reminded of the important role women play not only in the military but in today's society. 

Sixty-four women are currently general officers in the active duty military, while in the civilian world 15 Fortune 500 companies are headed by women. Despite these impressive statistics, is it important to remember that women in the United States fought seemingly insurmountable battles just to earn the right to vote. 

In 1848, both men and women met at the Seneca Falls Convention in Seneca Falls, N.Y., to discuss the idea of allowing women to vote. It was not until 1920 that this dream was realized by the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. The amendment was ratified a full 27 years after New Zealand, the first country to do so, gave women the right to vote.

The topic of women's suffrage deserves reflection this month as we prepare to celebrate Women's Equality Day. 

Why is it important for women to vote? Suffrage symbolizes freedom to make change. When an individual, man or woman, votes they express opinions and impart political intent on a nation. Suffrage symbolizes the recognition of important and valued perspectives of all individuals. Suffrage symbolizes equality. 

If the right to vote simply meant deciding the government's leadership and direction, women of other countries would not fight the odds to earn their right to vote. But because voting means so much more, most nations have taken the United States' lead in allowing women to vote. 

A sample of those countries that did not enact women's suffrage until the recent past are United Arab Emirates in 2006, Kuwait in 2005, Qatar in 1997 and Iraq in 1980. 

As we observe Women's Equality Day through the remembrance of women's suffrage, we reflect on the importance of a woman's vote. The simple answer -- it adds value to the society. The complex answer -- it adds intrinsic value to a woman's life.