In 1973, Congresswoman Bella Abzug, one of just 16 women serving in the U.S. House of Representatives at the time, championed legislation designating August 26 as Women’s Equality Day, commemorating the certification of the 19th Amendment and women’s constitutional right to vote.

Women’s Equality Day honors the generations of women who endured opposition, sacrifice, and hardship in the long fight for the vote. It ensures that their courage, persistence, and determination—and the history of the movement they built—are remembered and recognized.

It is also a reminder that the pursuit of equality did not end with the 19th Amendment. Women’s Equality Day calls us to reflect on the progress that has been made and the work that remains to achieve full equality, including the ongoing effort to secure recognition of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Many have requested a Women’s Equality Day Resolution that also recognizes America’s 250th birthday for city councils, community groups, government agencies, workplaces and military bases. 

Please feel free to edit the following resolution to meet your needs and encourage it to be proclaimed wherever it might make a difference.

Resolution to Recognize Women’s Equality Day 2026 as part of Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday. 

WHEREAS, As the nation is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, and 

WHEREAS, Women’s history is recognized as essential for understanding the courageous complexity of our nation, and  

WHEREAS, Knowing women’s stories provides essential role models for everyone, and 

WHEREAS, Role models are genuinely needed to face the extraordinary changes and unrelenting challenges of the 21st century, and 

WHEREAS, Learning about women’s tenacity, courage, and creativity throughout the centuries is a tremendous source of strength, and

WHEREAS, Women in the United States have continuously worked to gain full rights and responsibilities – public or private, legal or institutional – as citizens of the United States, and

WHEREAS, Women in every state and every cultural and religious group worked to expand democracy by securing the right to vote for women, and 

WHEREAS, Congress has designated August 26, the date the 19th Amendment enfranchising women was certified, as Women’s Equality Day, and

WHEREAS, Recognizing Women’s Equality Day as a day of celebration throughout the country emphasizes the importance of women’s work for democracy,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the (name of organization) will, in conjunction with the celebration of the nation 250th birthday, commemorate Women’s Equality Day, August 26th, as a national day celebrating the importance of the women’s suffrage movement and women’s work to secure and expand equal rights today.

To be signed by an elected official or commanding officer.