DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and DNC Women’s Caucus Chair Lottie Shackelford released the following commemorating Women’s Equality Day: 

“The Nineteenth Amendment was enshrined in our Constitution 104 years ago, codifying a woman’s right to vote for the first time in our nation’s history. That right gave women a voice, a say, and control of their destiny. As we honor the suffragettes who fought for our freedoms and our democracy, we must remember to never be complacent. It was only 59 years ago that many women of color were finally able to exercise their right to vote, and as the overturning of Roe v. Wade taught us, our rights can be easily taken away. That’s why we must remember our history and honor the movements that fought for women’s suffrage, ensuring our democracy represents all of those it serves.

“Trailblazing suffragettes brought us to this historic moment as we celebrate the first woman of color at the top of the ticket: Vice President Kamala Harris. Throughout her career, she has been a fierce advocate and protector of women’s rights, a fighter for freedoms, and a guardian of hope. Working with President Biden, she defended bodily autonomy, fought for equal pay, and stood up for women across all industries. She knows what it’s like to shatter glass ceilings, and she’s working to make sure every woman can follow her path.

“Meanwhile, Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda are determined to send women back in time. In 2016, Trump ran on stripping away reproductive freedoms, and he kept that promise. With a second term in office, extreme Republicans will erode women’s rights even further. We can’t afford to take that risk.

“As the party of progress, Democrats proudly carry the legacy of the suffrage movement forward. Vice President Harris and Governor Walz will close the gender wage gap, protect voting rights, and defend democracy for all. In November, women across the nation will exercise their hard-won right to vote and together we will finally say MADAM President Harris.”