The below piece is the winning high school essay in the Network of enlightened Women’s Essay Contest, sponsored by the Washington Examiner.
Election time is drawing near, and with it, the seemingly never-ending stream of campaign ads, intense debates, and “I voted” stickers. Today, voting is every citizen’s right, privilege, and responsibility. But it wasn’t always this way. Until only 100 years ago, a huge swath of adult society was prohibited from voting. It took countless years and the dedication of many women to win the fight for women’s suffrage. Now, women who have been granted the right to vote must ensure the sacrifices and achievements of the women who made it possible are celebrated, honored, and never forgotten.
Women’s suffrage is one of the greatest expansions of democracy in United States history. In order to celebrate this moment, we need to first understand why it is such an incredible accomplishment.
Women’s prolonged struggle for the right to vote began in the mid-19th century, when the idea of any female voting was perceived as radical and ludicrous. This didn’t stop women from working tirelessly to accomplish their goal by protesting, picketing, and lobbying for change. Suffragists forged ahead by pursuing suffrage acts in multiple states and challenging male-exclusive voting laws. Other women tackled resistance head-on with silent vigils, peaceful protesting, and hunger strikes, which were often met with fierce hostility. Protesters were slandered, jailed, and even physically abused. No matter how much opposition they faced, these women never gave up and the movement only grew stronger.
By 1890, despite their differences in methods, most women’s suffrage organizations were united with a shared goal of a constitutional amendment. In 1918, first-hand accounts of the mistreatment of suffragists were released to the public, shifting the political balance into the suffragists’ favor. On Aug. 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment, giving women nationwide the right to vote and the victory they had so fiercely fought for. When we celebrate the 19th Amendment, we recognize the many women who turned their dreams of equal rights into our reality.
We can honor the women who fought for our right to vote by responsibly utilizing our voices and ballots and being active in the political process. When we stay informed and support the initiatives that represent our best interests as women, we help to maintain the equal rights other women have sacrificed so much for.
In order to create positive change, we should follow the example of early women suffragists and politicians who didn’t let their gender define them. Despite the widespread disapproval of female involvement in politics, women suffragists didn’t wait for permission. Instead, they proved their competence and their ability to carry out effective political maneuvers by lobbying, protesting, and supporting the 19th Amendment throughout its lengthy ratification process.
Women are far more enabled to enter politics now than they were 100 years ago.
Unfortunately, women are still not proportionately represented in Congress. As of November 2019, women make up only 23.6% of Congress. In comparison with the 50.5% of the population that are women, there is an obvious discrepancy.
The most effective way to improve statistics like these is for women to get involved in the political process. All of us have the capabilities to do so individually, but we are stronger with the support of other women. This was evident in the fight for women’s suffrage.
Even through difficult circumstances, the women persevered and didn’t let their differences divide them. Their diversity actually strengthened the movement and empowered them to push through the patriarchal wall that was keeping them from achieving equal rights.
We can honor their sacrifices that earned us a role in the development and progression of our country by staying informed, lifting other women up, and fighting for what is right. Just as women stood united against the disparities in civil rights during the 19th century, we should be united against the political and societal forces that seek to discredit women’s experiences and beliefs in the 21st century.
The 19th Amendment was a monumental triumph in history that served as a catalyst for furthering of women’s rights. It wouldn’t have been possible without the suffragists’ determination, collaboration, and willingness to fight for their beliefs.
The preeminent way to celebrate and honor their achievements is to continue down the trail they blazed for us. I believe that the fight for women’s suffrage exemplifies how our voices are louder when every woman’s voice is heard, and we stand taller when we stand together.
Brooke Barham is a student at the Academy of Arts, Careers, and Technology.
