The first women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, NY in July of 1848. The convention was held over two days with 300 people in attendance. This peaceful social, religious, and civil rights movement laid the foundation of the women’s suffrage movement and, eventually, for the creation of the 19th amendment.

Nearly a century later, on August 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th amendment to the Constitution, creating the necessary three-fourths majority of the 48 states that made up the United States at that time. The official signing of the amendment by then Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby took place on August 26, 1920. Women had finally been granted the right to vote.

Another 50 years later in 1971, US Representative Bella Abzug advocated for using the date of August 26th to commemorate Women’s Equality Day and the commemoration bill finally passed in 1973. This dedicated yearly observance does more than just recognize the passing of the 19th amendment; it calls attention to the ongoing efforts of women to be recognized as equally valuable members of society. Women continue to fight for full equality another 50 years later.

At Gilstrap and Associates, we are proud to be a woman-owned and operated small business in Central Florida. We are in a unique position to help empower women to take control, not only of their careers and personal endeavors, but also of their mental health. Our wide range of counseling offerings can improve conflict resolution skills as well as teaching techniques to relieve stress and improve self-esteem. Our office is prepared to invest in all our patients’ wellness promotion, prevention, treatment, and recovery. Please contact us to determine if our practice will be a good fit for you.