Women’s Equality Day: A Fight Beyond Equal Pay

As we commemorate Women’s Equality Day, it’s essential to reflect on the strides we’ve made as a society while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead. While this day serves as a reminder of the progress we’ve made, it also calls us to continue pushing for true equality, not just in the workplace but in every aspect of society.

When we talk about gender equality, the conversation often centers on the gender pay gap. Indeed, the wage disparity between men and women remains a huge issue. 

However, limiting the discussion of equality to pay alone oversimplifies the multifaceted nature of gender inequality. True equality goes beyond just economics. It involves access to opportunities, representation in leadership roles, bodily autonomy, and the freedom to live without fear of violence or discrimination. It also demands that we look at intersectional issues, including the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities, women of color, and LGBTQ+ women.

To move beyond surface-level discussions of equality, we must engage in open and honest conversations about the barriers that women continue to face.These conversations shouldn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. Instead, they should challenge the status quo and encourage us to rethink our assumptions about gender and power.

One of the most critical aspects of these discussions is the recognition of intersectionality—the idea that different forms of discrimination overlap and intersect. For example, a woman with a disability may face not only sexism but also ableism, the systemic discrimination against people with disabilities. Understanding these intersections allows us to advocate for the things that address the full spectrum of inequality.

The fight for women’s rights and disability rights are deeply intertwined.

Historically, both movements have fought for basic human rights, dignity, and recognition. Yet, women with disabilities often find themselves on the edge of both movements, feeling like their unique challenges are overlooked or misunderstood. They are less likely to be employed, more likely to live in poverty, and more likely to experience violence than non-disabled folks.

While the road to equality is long, it’s crucial to celebrate the progress we’ve made. 

The past century has seen significant advancements in women’s rights, from the right to vote to greater representation in politics and the workplace. The #MeToo movement, for example, has brought global attention to issues of sexual harassment and assault, sparking conversations and policy changes that were long overdue.

However, celebrating progress should not lead to complacency. There is still much work to be done to achieve true equality. Women’s Equality Day is not just a time to look back, but also a time to examine where we are today and where we need to go.

Advocacy plays a crucial role in advancing both women’s rights and disability rights. Effective advocacy requires raising awareness, challenging harmful stereotypes, and pushing for systemic change. It also involves amplifying the voices of those who are most affected by inequality.

For women with disabilities, advocacy means fighting for accessible healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. It means ensuring that public spaces are truly accessible to all and that laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities are enforced.

As we reflect on Women’s Equality Day, let’s commit to building a more inclusive future—one where all women, regardless of their abilities, race, or socioeconomic status, have the opportunity to thrive. This means not only continuing the fight for equal pay, but also addressing the broader spectrum of inequalities that women face.

Creating this future requires collective effort.

There are several ways you can contribute to the fight for equality:

1. Educate yourself and others. Learn about the challenges that women, especially those with disabilities, face in society. Share this knowledge with your friends, family, and colleagues to help spread awareness.

2. Support advocacy organizations. Donate to or volunteer with organizations that work to advance women’s rights and disability rights. These groups play a critical role in pushing for policy changes and providing support to those in need.

3. Amplify marginalized voices. Use your platform—whether it’s social media, your workplace, or your community—to amplify the voices of women who are often overlooked. Share their stories and advocate for their rights.

4. Create inclusive spaces. Whether at work, school, or in your community, strive to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. This includes making sure that meetings, events, and online spaces are accessible to people with disabilities.

Women’s Equality Day is a time to celebrate how far we’ve come and to reflect on the work that remains. True equality goes beyond just equal pay. It also encompasses the right to live free from discrimination, and with equal access to opportunities.

By engaging in open and honest conversations about gender and disability rights, and by advocating for inclusive policies and practices, we can continue to make progress toward a more just and equitable society.

Let’s strive to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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Macy Cassera is a mental health coach, ambassador and freelance blog writer. She has prior experience as a model in New York City for fashion, commercial and parts modeling. Macy combines these passions with mental health awareness to underpin our sense of self and strive for a world of inclusivity and equitable representation. To get in touch with Macy, please send her an email or send a message through her official website or Instagram.