When the U.S. was founded, men and women did not share equal rights. That all changed on Aug. 26, 1920. This date was a turning point in the history of the women’s suffrage movement.

In 1848, a movement was launched by abolitionists Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucreta Mott to change how women were viewed and treated. These women, along with other activists, formed organizations to bring to light the inequalities, secondary social positioning, and disparate treatment against women. These strong and dedicated women brought awareness to the forefront and lobbied for the government to grant women the right to vote.

The women’s suffrage movement campaigned for a long 72 years to change the constitution and allow equal rights for women. Hence, the creation of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. In today’s society, women’s organizations celebrate the day and provide continued efforts to address the many current issues still facing women today.

Today, women’s equality goes beyond having the right to vote. Women have proven they are capable of achieving excellence in all they do as long as they are given the opportunity. We must continue to educate on women’s positive efforts to ensure women’s voices are being heard, and continue striving to pave the way for the women who come behind us.

On Saturday, Aug. 26, as we celebrate and honor this historic milestone, we must pause and re-evaluate our ideas of men and women as separate beings with gender based roles and move to understanding and valuing all as equals.