This Women’s Equality Day we need concrete action, not just lip service.
As we commemorate Women’s Equality Day, we’re reminded of the long struggle for women’s rights and the work that still lies ahead. As Black women, caregivers, and co-CEOs of 9to5, we’ve seen firsthand how far we’ve come – and how far we have yet to go.
Today, we celebrate the adoption of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. But we must acknowledge that this victory primarily benefited white women, while women of color continue to be the most affected by voter suppression and disenfranchisement. This history underscores the importance of working from the intersections in our ongoing fight for equality.
In 2024, women – especially women and nonbinary people of color – still face significant barriers in the workplace and society at large. The wage gap persists, with mothers and women of color experiencing the widest disparities. We lack universal paid family leave, affordable childcare, and strong protections against workplace discrimination. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these inequalities, pushing many women out of the workforce entirely.
At 9to5 we’re committed to advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of working women, nonbinary individuals, and their families. We’re pushing for:
- Comprehensive paid family and medical leave
- Affordable, high-quality childcare
- Stronger equal pay protections
- Workplace accommodations for pregnant and breastfeeding employees
- Sustainable and accessible housing and infrastructure
These aren’t just “women’s issues” – they’re family issues, economic issues, and fundamental human rights issues. When we support women and nonbinary workers, especially those facing multiple forms of marginalization, we strengthen our entire society.
This Women’s Equality Day, we call on lawmakers, employers, and all community members? to join us in this fight. We need more than lip service to equality – we need concrete actions and policies that will create real change in women’s lives.
The journey to true equality is far from over, but together, we can create a future where all women and nonbinary people of color and our families can thrive.
