Just over a century ago, women with boundless courage and relentless commitment who marched, advocated, and fought for the right to vote saw their efforts rewarded on Aug. 26, 1920, when the 19th Amendment was signed into law. Although the Amendment eased obstacles, some women continued to face barriers at the ballot box – particularly women of color – who did not receive the right to vote until many decades later.
In 1970, following a nationwide Women’s Strike for Equality to demand equal opportunities in employment and education, a bill was passed to designate Aug. 26 as Women’s Equality Day, a symbol of women’s continued fight for equal rights.
Today, as we commemorate the anniversary of these achievements, the legacy of the trailblazing women lives on and continues to encourage women’s empowerment. Women’s Equality Day is a symbol for the continued fight for equal rights to ensure a brighter future for women of all ages.
Highlights of JCPenney’s History Supporting Women’s Equality
Today we celebrate the incredible women of JCPenney including our workforce and customers and look back at all the ways JCPenney has supported women’s equality throughout our history.
- In 1923, a female buyer for JCPenney achieved full partnership status – an achievement that was unheard of almost 100 years ago.
- JCPenney is a founding member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the largest certifier of women-owned businesses (WBEs).
- JCPenney is a corporate member of the Women’s Business Council – Southwest (WBCS).
- JCPenney is recognized for our efforts in supporting diverse women in the workplace: Working Mother 2020 Best Companies for Multicultural Women, 2021 Latina Style 50 Best Companies for Latinas to work for in the U.S., and Diversity MBA Media’s 50 Out Front: Best Places to Work for Women and Diverse Managers for two consecutive years.
On this Women’s Equality Day, take time to remember those who fought for women’s right to vote and recognize the contributions of women who continue to help the advancements toward equality today.
