26 August 2024
Nik Rajkovic / [email protected]
Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared August 26, 2024, as “Women’s Equality Day,” commemorating the 104th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote.
“Women’s Equality Day is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate how far we’ve come in the fight for women’s rights,” said Governor Whitmer. “Here in Michigan, equality and prosperity for all are at the core of who we are. Whether it’s protecting reproductive freedom, expanding access to affordable child care and education, lowering costs, or creating economic opportunity for women, we will continue to break down barriers that have prevented women from reaching their full potential and build a stronger future for women in Michigan and across the country. Together, let’s honor our past and look forward to a future where our daughters can not only live, but thrive.”
“As the first female Senate Majority Leader in Michigan history, I am forever indebted and inspired by the trailblazing women – like Eva McCall Hamilton, the first woman elected to the Michigan Legislature – who fought tirelessly to pave the way for the historic level of leadership women hold in Michigan today,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “As young girls grow up and see themselves in positions of influence, we are laying the foundation for a future where women in leadership are the norm. Together, we can continue to build a culture where women not only join the conversation, but lead it.”
“As the first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court in the 188-year history, I feel the significance of this milestone because I personally know the pain and sacrifice of our ancestors,” said Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden. “But I am also very proud that I can inspire a new generation, especially young Black women, to accomplish something they never thought possible.”
According to a press release from Governor Whitmer’s office, she has fought for women’s rights throughout her career, giving them the opportunity to build their lives and reach their potential in Michigan while protecting their fundamental rights. During her time as a state representative and senator in the Michigan legislature, Governor Whitmer championed tax breaks for working families and reproductive health care. After her time in the legislature, she served as the state’s attorney for Ingham County, where she advocated for victims of domestic and sexual violence and established a new Domestic Violence Unit to coordinate those cases.
As governor, she has continued to advocate for the rights of women and their families. After the Alabama Supreme Court criminalized IVF, Governor Whitmer signed the Michigan Family Protection Act to ensure that surrogacy and IVF are protected in the state of Michigan. Governor Whitmer has also worked to protect and expand access to abortion for women across the state. Late last year, Governor Whitmer repealed a series of old and outdated laws dating back to 1931 that sought to restrict access to abortion with the Reproductive Health Act.
In addition to championing reproductive freedoms, the Governor has also championed working families and working mothers. In her fiscal year 2025 budget, the Governor successfully proposed and implemented a continuation of the Michigan Working Families Tax Credit, providing over 700,000 working families with an average tax refund of $3,150 per year.
Governor Whitmer has worked to ensure that appointments reflect the diversity of Michigan’s population. Sixty percent of appointees are women or people of color, and Whitmer’s Cabinet is the most diverse in Michigan history. Governor Whitmer has appointed more than 1,035 women to boards, commissions, and full-time positions and appointed 57 women to judgeships. Governor Whitmer is committed to ensuring that female representation continues to be considered on all boards and commissions because women are an integral part of the state of Michigan.
“On Women’s Equality Day, we honor the women who have broken glass ceilings and continue to lead with strength and vision. Women belong on the front lines – driving our economy, shaping our businesses, and leading in public service,” said Fadwa Hammoud, managing partner of Miller Johnson in Detroit and a member of the MEDC Executive Committee. “Governor Whitmer has proven that our leadership is not only important, but essential to the progress and future of our nation. When women lead, we all rise.”
On Women’s Equality Day 2020, Governor Whitmer moved the Michigan Women’s Commission from the Department of Civil Rights to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to strengthen the capacity of both agencies to address the economic issues Michigan women face every day.
“On Women’s Equality Day, we honor the women who paved the way and celebrate the next generation who continues to pave the way for women in Michigan,” said Cheryl Bergman, executive director of the Michigan Women’s Commission. “The Michigan Women’s Commission is committed to breaking down barriers to ensure that women in Michigan can pursue a path to a well-paying job in any field they choose, including skilled trades and STEM careers. Governor Whitmer’s efforts to make child care affordable and accessible and to value caregivers as the backbone of our economy are paving the way for success for women and their families here in Michigan.”
Michigan was one of the first three states to adopt the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, paving the way for other states to ratify the amendment. Michigan was once home to notable suffragists such as Sojourner Truth, Anna Howard Shaw, Clara Arthur, and Lucia Voorhees Grimes. Women’s Equality Day celebrates the tremendous efforts of those who have fought and continue to fight to protect women’s constitutional right to vote.