Governor Proclaims Women's Equality Day 2023

WHEREAS, individuals from across the state and nation, past and present, have fought for women to have full rights and privileges that have historically been afforded to men, including but not limited to the right to vote and participate fully in the civic and political process, the right to equal access to economic power, the right to be free from gender-based violence and discrimination, and the right to bodily autonomy, agency, and self-determination; and

WHEREAS, the United States Congress has designated August 26, the anniversary of the certification of the 19^th Amendment, as Women’s Equality Day as a symbol of the continued fight for equal rights; and

WHEREAS, we recognize that the passage of the 19^th Amendment did not grant voting rights for all women, particularly women of color, and that the ongoing fight for voting rights continues; and

WHEREAS, according to the NC Council for Women and Youth Involvement’s 2020 Status of Women in North Carolina: Political Participation Report, while women in North Carolina have voted 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 parity in representation 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; according to the NC Council for Women and Youth Involvement’s 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 and abortion care;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim August 26, 2023, as “WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.