Today, we recognize Women’s Equality Day, which marks the anniversary of American women earning the right to vote through the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
Just a few years before the suffragists’ victory, seven young women at Cornell in 1917 also saw a need for women’s inclusion in the changing landscape of the United States. For Sigma Delta Tau’s Founders, inclusion meant creating communities for Jewish women in higher education. Like the suffragists, they were pioneers in imagining something new.
Luckily, the possibility seen by women in the early 1900s continues to benefit us today. Through our sisterhood, leadership, philanthropy, and values, we continue to demonstrate the importance for women to have spaces like sororities. Equality remains a priority too. Our sisterhood is a diverse reflection of religions, as well as races, ethnicities, sexual identities, gender identities, abilities, and more. Together, we do more than we could ever do as individuals, and the world is better because of our enduring sisterhood. We know there are still countless opportunities for women to seek equality, and the women of Sigma Delta Tau rise to the task every day.
Inspired by Dora, Amy, Marian, Grace, Inez, Regene, and Lenore, the generations of SDTs before us paved the way for equality on campuses and beyond. As the present bearers of the light, may we all step into our power to create progress wherever we can.
Take a moment today, sisters, to do two things in the spirit of Women’s Equality Day.
First, express gratitude to the women whose hard work, commitment, love, and perseverance led the way for you. Give a call, send a text, write a note, or buy a coffee for a woman in your life who is championing a brighter future for all women.
Second, make sure you’re registered to vote! In honor of the women who gave us the invaluable right to cast our ballots, ensure you’re prepared to participate in this year’s important election on November 5, 2024.
Visit this website to check your voter status: https://www.nass.org/can-I-vote/voter-registration-status