WHEREAS, leaders from across the state and nation, both past and present, have fought for women to have full rights and privileges that have historically been available to men, including but not limited to the right to vote, the right to have equal access to economic power, the right to be free from gender-based violence and discrimination, and the right to make their own decisions about their health and reproductive care; and
WHEREAS, women across the world have united to advocate for these rights and privileges for all people regardless of sex, gender, race, religion, or socioeconomic status; and
WHEREAS, the United States Congress has designated August 26, the anniversary date of the certification of the 19th Amendment, as a symbol of the continued fight for equal rights; and
WHEREAS, we recognize the passage of the 19th Amendment did not grant voting rights for all women, particularly women of color, and the ongoing fight for voting rights continues today; and
WHEREAS, according to the North Carolina Council for Women and Youth Involvement’s 2020 Status of Women in North Carolina: Political Participation Report, while women in North Carolina have been voting at slightly higher rates in recent years, their representation in elected office has declined; if left unchanged, it will be the year 2084 before women reach equality in the state legislature; and
WHEREAS, equal participation of women in politics and government is integral to building strong communities and a vibrant democracy in which people of all genders can thrive, and to helping eliminate many disparities including systemic racism and sexism; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina women continue to fight for economic equality as well; according to the 2018 Status of Women in North Carolina: Employment and Earnings Report, women comprise 51 percent of our state’s population but earn an average of $8,600 less than men; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina commends the many organizations throughout our great state that continue to advocate for the rights of women, providing a voice of influence and guidance on many issues women regularly face regarding voter participation, education and employment, gender violence, and health care, including reproductive care;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim August 26, 2022, as “WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.