Julie Keller

Last year marked an important milestone, the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote. On August 26, 1920, American women were granted the constitutional right to vote, a major victory for the women’s suffrage movement. In 1971, Congress declared August 26 as Women’s Equality Day to commemorate women gaining the right to vote. Women’s Equality Day celebrates the achievements for women’s rights and reminds us of the unique daily struggles women face to achieve equality.

To celebrate this milestone, the Fox Valley 19th Amendment Centennial Coalition was formed.  This collaborative group of women from women-run associations, organizations and clubs are all aligned in our desire to celebrate, educate and advocate for women’s rights. The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region is proud to be a member of this coalition and work with this amazing group of organizations and women towards a common goal of women’s equality. Members include the League of Women Voters’ of Appleton, the Northeast Wisconsin Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, AAUW Appleton Branch, and the Mid-Day Women’s Alliance.

Unfortunately, the pandemic limited many of the planned activities in 2020 to recognize this milestone. However, the work continues and the Fox Valley 19th Amendment Centennial Coalition is honored to bring award-winning author and journalist Elaine Weiss to the Fox Cities for Women’s Equality Day on August 26, 2021. Weiss is the author of The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote. The book provides a gripping account of the ratification of the 19th Amendment and is being developed for television by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin TV.

While there have been many notable achievements in the women’s rights movement, the work is far from done. The wage gap between men and women, gender-based discrimination, domestic abuse and the disproportional amount of unpaid household labor all impact women’s economic growth, security and equal participation in society. We are excited to be a part of the Fox Valley 19th Amendment Centennial Coalition, bringing Elaine to our community 101 years after women were granted the right to vote.

The event will be at Perry Hall at University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Fox Cities Campus. Tickets are $5 and are required in advance. Registration deadline is August 20, 2021. Visit Her Voice Her Vote Our Victory to register and find more information.

The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region is a supporting organization of the Community Foundation and a separate 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Women’s Fund invests in the needs of women and girls through grants, advocacy and education. Since 1994, the Women’s Fund has awarded more than $1.8 million in grants to innovative programs that improve women’s and girls’ physical and mental health, ensure their economic security, promote their safety and enhance their lives. For more information, click here.