Title
Special Recognition - Proclamation Recognizing Women’s Equality Day
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Proclaim August 26, 2026, as Women’s Equality Day in the City of Olympia.
Report
Issue:
Whether to proclaim August 26, 2026, as Women’s Equality Day.
Staff Contact:
Melissa McKee, Assistant to the City Council, 360.753.8443
Presenter(s):
Alli Ewing, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA of Olympia
Background and Analysis:
In 1972, Congress designated August 26th as Women’s Equality Day to recognize and celebrate the passing of the 19th amendment to the U.S Constitution, granting some women the right to vote.
It is important to recognize that, though the amendment was ratified on August 26, 1920, women of color were prevented from casting ballots for decades afterward because of poll taxes, literacy tests, racism, and voter suppression laws. Much of that did not change until the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and still today women of color in African American, Latinx and other communities face similar barriers nearly a century later.
Climate Analysis:
This is not expected to impact carbon emissions.
Equity Analysis:
The goal of this recognition is to celebrate major victories in equal voting access, while addressing inequalities in voting, specifically at the intersections of gender and race.
Financial Impact:
No financial impact.
Attachments:
Proclamation