August 26, 1920 signifies a very important date in history for Women in the United States. Although the 19th amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920, it was not declared in effect until eight days later on August 26, 1920. Now, every year we celebrate Women’s Equality Day on August 26 to commemorate the anniversary of Women in the U.S. gaining the right to vote. We also take pause to focus on other equality issues still faced by women.

Although throughout the years women have made great strides towards achieving equality, the fight must continue until we can ensure that women have equal economic opportunities, equal education, and an end to gender-based violence. Of all of these, I believe that education is the most important as it is the root to solving all inequalities for women.

In order to solve the problem of inequality, we must first be educated enough to know and realize that said problem exists. From a global perspective, many women, and men, have taken that first step to recognize the issue at hand; and many have already made an impact with their activism.

However, there are still many women and young girls throughout the world that are unaware that a gender equality issue exists. Think of young girls who grow up in a culture where they are taught that their role in life is to stay at home, be the homemaker, not receive an education, and be subservient to men – sometimes to the point of taking physical and emotional abuse. They’re so indoctrinated into this lifestyle they’re unaware that any other way of life exists.

Once we are able to educate women (and men) on the gender inequality issues that exist, we must then fight against it. Education is another key component here. Not only being educated on the causes of these inequalities, but ensuring that women receive a proper, and equal education as well.

We can’t ask for equal rights in the workplace if we don’t have educational equity to begin with. The whole concept is that women receive equal pay for equal work. So it stands to reason that if women don’t have equal education/experience, they can’t possibly have equal economic opportunities. Thus, it’s up to us as a society to provide educational equity world-wide, and it’s up to women to take advantage of those educational opportunities so that they can be entitled to/have earned the equal economic opportunities they are seeking.

This is why we at Hope for Hearts make it our focus to provide both traditional and vocational education opportunities. To give all children, female and male, equal opportunity to an education that can lift them from poverty to prosperity. You can help join the fight by making a donation today!

Peace and Love,
Cristen