July 28, 2026
Mayor's Office
DATE: July 28, 2026
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM:
Mayor Martinez and Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Subject:
Proclamation Recognizing August 26, 2026, as Women's
Equality Day)
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
August 26, 2025
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
August 26 marks the annual national observance of
Women's Equality Day, commemorating the certification
of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States
Constitution in 1920, which granted many women the
right to vote. The observance honors the achievements
of the women's suffrage movement while recognizing the
ongoing pursuit of gender equality and equal opportunity.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION recognizing August 26, 2026, as
Women's Equality Day, honoring the achievements of the
women's suffrage movement and reaffirming the City's
commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and
opportunity for women and girls – Mayor Eduardo
Martinez (510-620-6503) / Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
(510-620-6593).
DISCUSSION: Women's Equality Day is observed annually on August 26 to commemorate the certification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States AGENDA
REPORT
July 28, 2026
Constitution in 1920, which granted many women the right to vote after decades of advocacy by the women's suffrage movement. Although the amendment represented a landmark achievement, many women of color continued to face discriminatory barriers to voting until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
In 1971, Representative Bella Abzug introduced a resolution establishing Women's Equality Day, and Congress formally designated August 26 as the annual observance in 1973. Since then, the day has served as an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of women while recognizing the continued work toward achieving gender equity in civic participation, education, employment, healthcare, and leadership.
The City of Richmond recognizes the many contributions women have made to the community through public service, education, business, healthcare, labor, arts, culture, and civic leadership. Richmond also supports opportunities that empower women and girls and promote equal access to leadership, economic opportunity, and civic engagement.
Women's Equality Day serves as a reminder of the progress achieved through generations of advocacy while reaffirming the City's commitment to fostering an inclusive community where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Women's Equality Day Proclamation