ALCOAST 285/18 - AUG 2018 WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY

R 160800 AUG 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00H//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N05350//
ALCOAST 285/18
COMDTNOTE 5350
SUBJ: WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY
1. "Celebrating Women's Right to Vote" is the National theme for Women's
Equality Day. Whereas the slogan, “The Year of the Woman,” was used to
characterize the 1992 election cycle when a record number of women were
elected to Congress, today it is being referenced again as more women than
ever before are seeking local, state and national elective offices. This
phenomenon takes on significant meaning when we consider that only since
the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920 have
American women had full voting rights.
2. While women comprise half of the U.S. population, they are much less so in
political representation. As a result, they have developed resilient strategies
for overcoming representational barriers through the support of community members
and affinity organizations' voter registration campaigns, resulting in a record
voter turnout on election day. Today, there are more than 175 female major party
nominees running for the U.S House of Representatives and 11 vying to become
gubernatorial nominees, the highest number in history. The progress made during
the nearly 100 year journey toward the elimination of barriers to equality and
equal representation is further evidenced by the number of multi-generational
political candidates nationwide.
3. On the occasion of Women’s Equality Day, we celebrate the legacy of women who
ignited the equal rights movement and those who continue to advance its historic
achievements through their service and commitment. We honor their courage,
dedication, sacrifice and determination to ensure that women’s voices are heard
and all Americans have full equality.
4. Coast Guard units and commands are encouraged to use this special observance
as an opportunity to highlight the achievements of civilian and military women
and the contributions they make to our Service, our Nation and the world.
5. The POC is Ms. Gwendolyn White, gwendolyn.e.white@uscg.mil or (202)372-4519.
6. Dr. Terri A. Dickerson, Director, Civil Rights Directorate, sends.
7. Internet release authorized.