USCG ALCOAST 378/12 message from the Civil Rights Directorate was released for the Coast Guard observance of the 2012 Women's Equality Day.

Women’s Equality Day, observed annually since 1971, spotlights American women’s progress toward the elimination of barriers to equality. Historically, a firm commitment to equality for all empowered women to join forces to demonstrate and lobby for equal opportunities in education, employment, voting rights, and other civil/human rights.

The USCG Diversity Staff (CG-12B) provides information on Gender Diversity within the Coast Guard.

The USCG Historian's Office provides information and references on the history of women in the Coast Guard and its predecessor services on its webpages, as well as PDF files and PowerPoint presentations.

Follow up:

ALCOAST 378/12
COMDTNOTE 5354

SUBJ: 2012 WOMENS EQUALITY DAY

1. Women’s Equality Day, observed annually since 1971, spotlights American women’s progress toward the elimination of barriers to equality. Historically, a firm commitment to equality for all empowered women to join forces to demonstrate and lobby for equal opportunities in education, employment, voting rights, and other civil/human rights.

2. Women in the United States secured the right to vote on august 26, 1920, when the 19th amendment to the U.S. constitution was signed. The observance of Women’s Equality Day on 26 August each year brings renewed attention to the continued efforts by women to gain full equality. The theme, celebrating women’s right to vote, embodies the spirit of women who organized, marched, wrote, lectured, and lobbied to ensure that women’s voices were heard and their rights would be guaranteed.

3. In 1970, on the 50th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment, tens of thousands of women in cities nationwide participated in demonstrations and rallies in support of the women’s movement and equal rights. The following year, New York congresswoman Bella Abzug introduced legislation which established Women’s Equality Day.

4. We celebrate the legacy of women who ignited the equal rights movement and the promise of those who continue the advancement toward equal rights for all. A few notable milestones include:

A. In 1869, Wyoming passed the first woman’s suffrage law.

B. In 1923, Alice Paul, a founder of the national woman’s party, drafted what later evolved into the equal rights amendment.

C. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 prohibits sex discrimination in wages, giving men and women the right to earn equal pay for doing substantially the same work.

d. Title IX of the education amendments act of 1972 prohibits discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

e. On 29 January 2009, President Obama signed the Lily Ledbetter fair pay restoration act which allows victims of pay discrimination to file a complaint against their employer within 180 days of their last paycheck.

5. We honor the sacrifice, dedication, and leadership of women throughout our nation’s history who were pioneers in the quest for equal rights for all.

6. Today, largely due to the accomplishments of many of these leaders, women are serving at the highest levels in government and have a critical role in ensuring our nations security.

7. Coast Guard units and commands should use this observance for appropriate programs and activities that highlight the achievements and contributions women have made to our service, our nation, and the world.

8. MS. TERRI A. DICKERSON, DIRECTOR, CIVIL RIGHTS DIRECTORATE, SENDS.
9. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.