Cheers to 100 Years of Voting Rights for Women!

August marks the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote. While we couldn’t commemorate this historic anniversary with a big parade or together in person,

The Policy Circle hosted an EqualiTEA.

Joined by a phenomenal group of speakers, The Policy Circle celebrated the fight to win the vote for women with insightful conversations about the history of the women’s suffrage movement, the role of women in the media and the journey for women elected officials. Watch the experience:

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Featured Speakers

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The Discussion

Suffragettes held “EqualiTea” – not unlike Circle meetings – to learn about the movement, organize and discuss their plan of action to gain the vote for women. Thanks to the hard-fought battle by suffragists, for 100 years now, the 19th Amendment has guaranteed and protected women’s constitutional right to vote. We’ve come a long way, but there are still improvements to be made for women to be better represented in politics, business and in the media: 

•  Though women make up 51 percent of voters, they comprise a significantly smaller portion of U.S. elected offices. Out of the 11,000 people who have served in Congress, only 358, less than one half of one percent, are women. Five states have never sent a woman to represent them in the U.S. House, and 21 states have never been represented by a female in the Senate. In 23 states, no woman has ever been elected governor. In 7 states, women comprise less than 20% of the legislature.
• Clorox just named Linda Rendle as their new CEO, bringing the number of Fortune 500 CEOs to 38. Record-setting, but with a global pandemic, women have recently been hit especially hard by unemployment and the stresses of an economic crisis. Early estimates suggest that around the world, women’s jobs are 1.8 times as likely to be cut in this recession than jobs held by men. 
• In a 2015 report, women made up only 19 percent of experts featured in news stories and 37 percent of reporters telling stories globally. Some news organizations are stepping in to change how women are represented and covered in the media.

The Policy Circle’s mission to inform, inspire and build civic leaders helps promote greater knowledge and understanding about the role and influence of women in American politics – bringing focus to expanding the diversity of women in public service.

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Expand Your Experience

Want to take a deeper dive into the history of the suffrage movement? Click below for additional ideas and resources on how to celebrate this important milestone for women, and check out our election series for more on preparing for the 2020 election.

Policy Briefs to Explore:

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Resources to Commemorate the Anniversary:

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Films and Videos to Watch, Music and Podcasts to Enjoy:

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Books to explore with the Whole Family:

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Thank You to Our Network Partners:

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The Policy Circle is a 501(c)(3), nonpartisan organization that provides pathways for women to become courageous, knowledgeable and active citizens who identify and take ownership of local solutions to the issues facing their communities.  Please consider supporting our mission and developing your own leadership skills by becoming a financial supporter. 

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