What an important day in our nation.
One hundred years ago the 19th Amendment (which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex) was ratified and adopted by the United States of America. On August 18, 1920, the last state (of the 36 needed) ratified the 19th Amendment; it was officially adopted on August 26, 1920.
Women’s Equality Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the continuing struggle for equality in the workplace and the role of women in our public life. Women have long served this nation by working to clear barriers, enforce laws, implement new ideas, and change people’s attitudes.
Today we are reminded we all have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to create a society that gives every person, in every community, equal voice.
To celebrate and impower the young women in our lives, our staff wrote letters of love and encouragement to their daughters. At United Way of Central Minnesota we Fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person, starting with our youngest, future
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Dear Little Lady,
The world is in for a treat when you come into your element. You are strong, brave and fearless. You are caring, intelligent and compassionate. I cannot wait to see the things you will do. My hope is that when you are ready, so is everyone else. I want you to be a part of the world where females have the same options and possibilities as their counterparts. We will see you rise and succeed in the most amazing way. I am already so proud of you. I love you more than you know and will be with you every step of the way.
Love you, Mom
To my Lullabelle,
The truth is, being a mom isn’t always easy, it isn’t always fun and somedays I wonder how I even got to this place. But those days are masked by the pure joy and happiness you bring to me in all the other moments. Since you were little, you’ve been a beam of light.
You would entertain people with your silly made up words, your need to be dressed in costume for every single occasion, your ability to make up a song with just three words, your love for culture, dance, theatre and laughter.
We have so many similarities! We both love the little things in life and appreciate the details. Music is in our souls, but you didn’t get that from only me – this runs deep in our family, you were just lucky enough to get that too.
My mom said to me many times (let’s be honest, most days from ages 13-18), you argue just to argue, well my dear, you got that from me too! We both love taking care of others and don’t always prioritize ourselves. We love children for their simplicity and innocence, and we love our elders for their wisdom and strength.
As alike as we are, there are so many things you’ve taught me. You are so much stronger than I was at your age and sometimes even as an adult. Your confidence is something I’m envious of, things just don’t shake you. You know where you stand on so many issues and topics and you’re not afraid to stand up for them putting you way beyond your years. Not many kids write their first business plan at 12 years old, but you have known for a while what you wanted to be when you grow up. This means you will be entering a male dominated world and instead of letting that hold you back, you’re more like, MOVE OVER, I’m coming in! This is exactly who I had hoped you would be one day and just one of the reasons I’m so proud of you!
I love you!
Mom
My beautiful daughter,
I could never have imagined what a complete heart feels like until you. I am so proud of the smart, strong, courageous, adventurous young woman that you are. You are my inspiration, my joy, my sidekick, my teacher, my cheerleader, my artist, my comfort, and my heart. You are my everything.
A letter to my daughters....
On National Women's Equality Day, I continue to want doors to be open to your dreams and want to inspire you to follow your heart to success. You've wanted to be a senator, a nurse, a dance instructor, a YouTuber, a lawyer, and beyond. For me, the most important thing is that you are happy. And that through continued support of equality and equity for women, you are not held back by stereotypes, preconceived notions, glass ceilings, lesser pay, and implicit biases within systems. You ARE equal. You ARE enough. You ARE amazing. You inspire me every day with your wisdom, your care, your passion, your empathy and your ability to see things not as they are, but as they should be. I fight for you because I am your mom but also because you deserve the opportunity to achieve success and happiness.