Governor Stein Proclaims Women's Equality Day

Women's Equality Day

2025

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, North Carolina commends the many organizations throughout our great state that advocate for the rights of women, providing a voice of influence and guidance on many issues women regularly face regarding civic engagement, education, employment, gender-based violence, and health care, including reproductive and abortion care; and

Whereas, in 1971 the United States Congress designated August 26 as Women’s Equality Day as a reminder of the anniversary of the certification of the 19^th Amendment that granted women the right to vote; and

Whereas, we recognize the courage and resilience of those who fought tirelessly for women's rights, paving the way for progress and breaking down barriers of inequality; and

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

Whereas, we acknowledge the ongoing challenges and commit to advancing policies and practices that promote equal opportunities and empower women across the country and the world; 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 voted at slightly higher rates in recent years, their representation in elected office has declined; and

Whereas, equal participation of women in politics and government is integral to building stronger communities and a vibrant democracy in which people of all genders can thrive and to helping eliminate many disparities; and

Whereas, North Carolina joins other states in reflecting on the importance of gender equality and rededicating ourselves to creating a future where every woman and girl can thrive without barriers;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim August 26, 2025, as “Women's Equality Day” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all citizens.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-third day of July in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-fifth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.