Celebrating Women's Equality Day

Photo By Staff Sgt. Quanesha Barnett | This year, the 17th Field Artillery Brigade hosted the Women’s Equality Day Observance Ceremony at French Theater, Aug. 26. This year’s theme was “Celebrating Women’s Right to Vote.” The guest speaker for this year's Women’s Equality Day observance was Ms. Audrey Godwin.  

JOINT BASE LEWIS MCCHORD, WA, UNITED STATES

08.26.2015

Story by Capt. Tania Donovan 

17th Field Artillery Brigade

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - In 1971 the U.S. Congress designated Aug. 26 as “Women’s Equality Day.” The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This was the culmination of a massive, peaceful civil rights movement by women that had its formal beginnings in 1848 at the world’s first women’s rights convention, in Seneca Falls, N.Y.

This year, the 17th Field Artillery Brigade hosted the Women’s Equality Day Observance Ceremony at French Theater, Aug. 26. This year’s theme was “Celebrating Women’s Right to Vote.” The guest speaker for this years Women’s Equality Day observance was Ms. Audrey Godwin.

Ms. Audrey Godwin is founder of The Godwin Group and chief financial transformation catalyst who equips business owners with the insights, strategies, and tools to run a financially healthy and vibrant company. Her mission is to educate and inspire business owners. Godwin is a leader in her community and a perfect representation of the value that women bring to the work force and to our nation.

Godwin highlighted in her speech the great achievements of women in history, as well as women who are currently making history. But she also admitted that, “women’s equality day is a symbol that women continue to fight for their equal rights still today.”

Godwin reminded those in attendance that women still earn about 77 cents on men’s dollar in the workforce, indicating that there is still, room for progress.

Women continue to make significant impacts in all components of the Armed Forces, in different lines of work, and at different echelons as they climb the corporate ladder. Modern pioneers continue to establish equality in the workforce and show themselves as strong assets to the Defense Department. Most recently, 1st Lt. Shaye Haver and Capt. Kristen Griest were the first women to pass Army Ranger School.

In his 2015 presidential proclamation for Women’s Equality Day, President Barack Obama stated, “Women's equality is a core civil and human rights principle in the United States and around the world. Across America, women are contributing to our economy and our Nation in innovative and exciting ways. From businesses to battlefields, women are vital to the prosperity and security of our country. As we celebrate the last 95 years of progress in advancing women's rights, let us rededicate ourselves to the idea that our Nation is not yet complete: there is still work to do to secure the blessings of our country for every American daughter.”

• Date Taken: 08.26.2015
• Date Posted: 08.29.2015 09:37
• Story ID: 174664
• Location: JOINT BASE LEWIS MCCHORD, WA, US