Celebrating Women's Equality Day: Bridging Historical Achievements with Transportation Equity

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On Aug. 26, Women's Equality Day marks a momentous occasion in the fight for gender equality, celebrating the profound strides made since the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. This landmark amendment granted women the right to vote, symbolizing a significant victory in the quest for equal rights and opportunities. Women's Equality Day, officially recognized by Rep. Bella Abzug in 1971, commemorates this achievement and reminds us of the ongoing efforts to ensure that all aspects of society, including transportation, support gender equity.

The Historical Context: Women's Suffrage and Social Reform

The struggle for women's suffrage was a pivotal chapter in a broader movement for equal rights. Leaders such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Ida B. Wells fought tirelessly for systemic change, paving the way for reforms across various sectors, including transportation. For women, access to reliable and safe transportation was crucial for engaging fully in public life — whether voting, working or participating in community activities.

Historical Significance: The Roots of Women's Equality Day

Aug. 26, 1920, was a landmark date when U.S. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby certified the 19th Amendment, finalizing women's right to vote. This achievement followed a prolonged civil rights movement that began with the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. Women's Equality Day celebrates this historic victory and underscores the continuing struggle for gender equality, extending beyond the ballot box.

The Journey to the 19th Amendment

The path to suffrage was fraught with challenges and legislative battles. Tennessee's pivotal role in ratifying the amendment highlighted the personal and political struggles inherent in the suffrage movement. Harry T. Burn's change of vote, influenced by his mother, was a defining moment that underscored the profound impact of individual decisions on broader societal changes.

Innovative Women in Transportation

From the early days of transportation, women have made significant contributions. Rebecca Lukens, who managed the Brandywine Iron Works, played a vital role in the iron and steam industries. In the 19th century, women like Mary I. Riggin, Eliza Murfey and Mary Walton pioneered essential innovations in rail safety and noise reduction. The late 20th century saw women including Elizabeth Dole, appointed Secretary of Transportation in 1983, and Carmen Turner, General Manager of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, taking leadership roles in transportation.

From Voting Rights to Transportation Equity

Women's Equality Day serves as a reminder that the quest for gender equality encompasses more than voting rights. Access to safe, reliable and affordable transportation is essential for women to participate fully in all aspects of public life. At RTD, the agency is dedicated to advancing transportation equity by focusing on:

Enhancing Safety: Ensuring all transit options are safe and secure is vital for enabling women to travel confidently. Measures to improve safety on buses and trains help create an environment where women can use public transportation without inhabitance, thus supporting their full participation in public life and economic activities.

Increasing Accessibility: RTD designs and maintains its infrastructure to meet the diverse needs of all passengers, including those with disabilities. By making transit systems accessible, the agency supports women who may face mobility challenges, promoting equitable transportation access for everyone.

Ensuring Language Justice: RTD’s commitment to language justice is a cornerstone of its transit equity initiatives. By partnering with organizations that include the Denver Regional Mobility & Access Council (DRMAC) and Empowering Communities Globally, RTD provides travel training to women from diverse linguistic backgrounds, including Arabic, Dari and Burmese speakers. This initiative is a testament to the agency’s commitment to inclusivity, as it helps break down language barriers and empowers women to navigate and use RTD’s services effectively and safely.

Advancing Equitable Pay: RTD adheres to and is committed to enforcing the Equal Pay for Equal Work Actenacted in 2021. While this act primarily addresses wage disparities, its principles of fairness and equality resonate with RTD’s commitment to equal employment opportunity. Ensuring fair pay for women supports their economic stability and promotes an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is valued, respected and empowered to succeed.

Providing Access to Business Opportunities: RTD supports economic empowerment and entrepreneurship by leveling the playing field for women-owned businesses in contracting opportunities. This not only promotes gender equality but also enhances local economic development.

Promoting Affordability: Offering various fare options and support programs helps reduce economic barriers for women and low-income customers. Making transit more affordable enables greater participation in the workforce, education and community activities, which are essential for achieving gender equity.

Celebrating Progress and Looking Ahead

As RTD celebrates Women's Equality Day, the agency honors the progress made since the ratification of the 19th Amendment and recognizes the ongoing efforts needed to achieve full gender equality. By understanding the historical context of women's suffrage and its implications for contemporary issues like transportation equity, we can continue to build on the legacy of those who fought for equal rights.

This day underscores the interconnectedness of various aspects of equality and the importance of addressing them comprehensively. Let us commemorate past achievements while striving toward a future where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources.

In observance of Women's Equality Day, RTD encourages employees to participate in and support local events:

League of Women Voters of Larimer County: Join the celebration from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at Sweetheart Winery in Loveland. The event will feature a virtual silent auction from Aug. 11 to Aug. 25. Purchase tickets here.
Center for Colorado Women's History: Attend a free event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at 1310 Bannock St., Denver. The event will include a museum tour, live music and a connection with the League of Women Voters. Register here.

Explore Additional Women-Led Professional Opportunities:

WTS International (originally named the Women’s Transportation Seminar): An organization dedicated to the professional advancement of women in transportation, WTS raises the profile of the industry and supports women's opportunities within it. People of all genders are invited to join. Review upcoming events here.
Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) is a leading nonprofit that advances women's leadership by providing valuable connections, resources and education. Explore CWCC events and programs here.

Support Women-Owned and -Led Businesses:

Tiffany Fixter, Brewability: A brewery and pizzeria designed for patrons and staff with disabilities.
Betsy Lay, Kate Power and Jen Cuesta, Lady Justice Brewing: A brewery supporting and empowering women, girls and nonbinary community members.
Crystal Egli and Parker McMullen Bushman, Inclusive Guide: A digital guide listing local businesses and spaces based on their commitment to inclusivity and safety for marginalized identities.
Patricia Ann Cameron, Blackpackers: A nonprofit promoting economic equity in outdoor recreation through education and excursions.
Heather Beck, The Gathering Place: A resource for women, transgender, non-binary individuals and children facing poverty and instability.

As RTD observes Women's Equality Day, the agency recognizes that achieving gender equality involves addressing multiple dimensions of access and opportunity, including transit equity. By advancing these initiatives, RTD is committed to creating a transportation system that supports the diverse needs of all women, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society.

Diversity Spotlight recognizes special observances as set forth by presidential proclamation, executive order and public law, and in keeping with RTD’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Please note that participation in these activities is voluntary and unpaid. Supervisor approval is required to participate if events occur during a regularly scheduled shift.