Commissioner Carol Ann Felts presented a Manatee County proclamation of August 26 as Women’s Equality Day (WED) in Manatee County. WED commemorates the ratification of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote and also reaffirms the goal of equal rights, regardless of gender.
Commissioner Felts noted the important role of women in Manatee County history, particularly noting that the first woman to register to vote in Manatee County, following the passage of the 19th Amendment, was the daughter of the Supervisor of Elections of Manatee County. Receiving the proclamation was Ruth Harenchar, President of the League of Women Voters of Manatee County, accompanied by Michelle Bencini, Community Navigator from the Women’s Resource Center, which are co-sponsoring the Women’s Equality Breakfast.
Women’s Equality Day was formally recognized in 1973, following efforts led by Congresswoman Bella Abzug, who introduced legislation to designate August 26 as Women’s Equality Day. It was intended not only to honor the suffrage movement but also to spotlight ongoing struggles for gender equality in areas like employment, education, and political representation.
Every year since, U.S. presidents have issued proclamations reaffirming the importance of equal rights for women, making the day both a celebration of progress and a call to action for continued advocacy.
Please enjoy the video of the pronouncement and acceptance!
