Inspire Empowerment for Women's Equality Day

"Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women." - Maya Angelou 

Today is Women's Equality Day--a day to commemorate the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This amendment secured women the right to vote, ending the historic women's suffrage movement. Prior to this, women couldn't inherit property, made half of a man's wages, and they didn't have a voice in presidential elections. 

Suffrage leaders, including Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, said, "Enough is enough." They demanded their voices to be heard, and they fought long and hard for the passage of the 19th Amendment. 

Afterward, societal standards were still difficult for women. There was still a wage gap. Women had limitations on what jobs they could have and their positions of power. They had different expectations. Luckily, there has been an improvement over the years, but women aren't done fighting. We're not done fighting for change--to have equal opportunities. 

There have been many influential women throughout history, including Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Harriet Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt, Florence Nightingale, Oprah Winfrey, Sandra Day O'Connor, Mother Teresa, and so many others. These women shaped the future for women's rights and empowerment. We have come so far in society because of these women fighters. They have done so much for us, and we must continue their legacy. 

To celebrate these influential women, I have created graphic designs with a significant quote from the women that highlights their important voice. Read these quotes. Share the images with your friends. Use these as inspiration for your life. 

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These women celebrated the good and bad--the pretty and the ugly. They noticed what needed to be changed about our society, and they fought hard to inspire positive growth. They knew exactly what needed to happen and they overcame so many obstacles. They will always have an important place in history. 

These women had a voice and they demanded people to finally listen to them. No one could take away their voice. 

But most importantly, these influential women have shown me that I, too, can inspire change. I, too, can make a difference. I, too, have a voice, and it's time for me to start using it. 

-KJL-