Washington, D.C.- For 72 years the suffragettes lead a non-violent campaign for women to gain the right to vote.  August 26, 2010 marks the 90th anniversary that the Nation remembers passage of the 19th Amendment which  has been designated “Women’s Equality Day.”

On August 26, 2010, Americans pay homage to the pioneers of the women’s suffrage movement:  Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony and the thousands of women across the nation who secured civil rights and political independence for women. These pioneers endured public humiliation so that women of the past and the future could exercise their right to vote.  Unfortunately, the three pioneers of the suffrage movement  never lived to see the passage of the 19th Amendment giving them the right to vote. Nonetheless, the legacy of the suffragettes lives on through the  mothers, aunts, nieces, and daughters across the nation who are able to exercise their right to vote because of the courage, determination, and tenacity the suffragettes endured.
 
Since 1920, women have made remarkable strides in American politics and policies.  The right  to vote granted women access, participation, rights, and equality.  In 1917,  the first woman was elected to serve in Congress and in 1922, the first woman was elected to serve in the Senate.   In 2010, there are 76 women currently serving in the House of Representatives and 17 women serving in the Senate. 

“I am proud this country continues to leap forward fighting for democracy for all people and looks back to reflect and marvel at the progress we have made and continue to make,” said Rep. Diane E. Watson.