August 26 is Women’s Equality Day - a nationally recognized day intended to commemorate the passage and enactment of the 19th Amendment and an invitation to lift up the ongoing work toward full equality.  We are reminded that equality is not guaranteed in our foundational legal documents – the Federal Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which was ratified in 2020, remains contested as the 28th Amendment and Maine has yet to pass an inclusive ERA in the state Constitution.

The day invites us to reflect on and dream of a more equal future. That’s why we invite you to lift up Women’s Equality Day all week long, Aug. 23-30, and take part in this DIY celebration! In the face of efforts to roll back civil rights, this invitation is about nurturing our community, dreaming of a more equitable future, and making it easy to get involved.

Need some ideas for your DIY event?

• Have a potluck or get together with your friends.  Consider a discussion on the theme of courage or Inequalities, or whatever interests your group!  

• Invite your crafty pals over for a craft night or a zine-making party. Here’s a great zine how-to-guide.

• Have a movie night or host a book discussion. Watch the documentary “Ratified” with your crew or find MWL’s book & movie ideas here.

• Gather friends for feminist karaoke! 

• Get involved with an organization or group focused on gender equity! Check out the Maine ERA for All Coalition partners.

What you specifically do isn’t as important as getting together to think about a future where equal rights are truly for ALL.  For a full list of ideas and ways to get involved, check out our guide to Women’s Equality Day.

Want to be part of a powerful and dedicated community? Tag the Maine Women’s Lobby on their social media with your photos of your gatherings, or email info@mainewomen.org to help us grow our feminist network.