St. Mary’s County Marks Women’s Equality Day, Recognizes Progress And Work Still Ahead

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — More than a century after women secured constitutional protection against sex-based voting restrictions, St. Mary’s County leaders gathered Tuesday to celebrate that progress — and recognize that the pursuit of equality did not end at the ballot box.

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County proclaimed Aug. 26, 2026, as Women’s Equality Day during their Aug. 25 business meeting. Commissioner Mike Alderson Jr. read the proclamation alongside representatives from the county’s Department of Aging & Human Services and Commission for Women.

“Women’s Equality Day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made, while also highlighting the continuing challenges and disparities that women face in achieving full equality in the workplace, in education, in health care and in leadership positions across all sectors,” Alderson read.

The proclamation recognizes women’s contributions to the social, economic and political fabric of St. Mary’s County and affirms the county’s commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls.

A National Day Rooted In Voting Rights

Women’s Equality Day is a national observance held annually on Aug. 26, commemorating the certification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

The amendment prohibited the federal government and states from denying citizens the right to vote on the basis of sex. Its adoption represented a landmark victory following decades of organizing, protest and advocacy by women across the country.

However, the amendment did not immediately guarantee equal access to the ballot for every woman. Black women and other women of color continued to encounter discriminatory laws and practices that prevented many from voting. Those racial barriers remained in place for decades, according to the National Park Service.

The modern observance grew out of the women’s rights movement of the 1970s. U.S. Rep. Bella Abzug of New York introduced legislation in 1971 seeking recognition of Aug. 26 as Women’s Equality Day. Congress formally designated the observance in 1973 and authorized the president to issue a commemorative proclamation, according to the Library of Congress.

That distinction makes Women’s Equality Day a national observance, though it is not a federal holiday.

Celebrating 106 Years Of Progress

The county’s recognition came 106 years after the 19th Amendment was certified, providing constitutional protection against denying the right to vote on the basis of sex.

The National Women’s History Alliance is connecting its 2026 Women’s Equality Day observance with the nation’s 250th anniversary. Its commemorative materials emphasize the importance of the women’s suffrage movement and women’s continuing work to secure and expand equal rights.

That message was reflected locally as county representatives thanked the commissioners and recognized the women who contribute to St. Mary’s County through their careers, families and community service.

Lori Jennings-Harris, director of the St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services, said women’s contributions extend across both their professional and personal lives.

“I just wanted to thank the commissioners once again for recognizing the contribution of women, but not just in the professional environment, but at home as well,” Jennings-Harris said. “The support that women give to the entire community is important, and it’s important to recognize that.”

Mary Young also thanked the commissioners for supporting women throughout the country.

Local Volunteers Keep The Work Moving Forward

Cynthia Brown, human services division manager for the Department of Aging & Human Services, recognized the members of the St. Mary’s County Commission for Women, who serve as volunteers.

“I have the pleasure of working very closely with the Commission for Women, but all of those members are volunteers,” Brown said. “And so I’d like to thank them for their ongoing commitment to raising awareness of those issues of significance for women and girls in our county.”

Commission for Women member Liz Meldenstein also thanked the commissioners for the recognition.

The county commission advises the commissioners on matters affecting women while working to promote awareness of issues involving women and girls in St. Mary’s County.

Progress Has Not Closed Every Gap

The county’s proclamation points to continuing disparities in employment, education, health care and positions of authority — challenges that remain measurable nationally.

During the second quarter of 2026, women working full time had median weekly earnings of $1,131, compared with $1,380 for men, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Women’s median earnings were about 82% of men’s earnings, though the size of the difference varied by race, ethnicity, age and occupation.

Those numbers do not account for every factor affecting pay, but they illustrate why Women’s Equality Day remains both a celebration and a call to continue the work begun generations ago.

The commissioners encouraged residents to celebrate women’s achievements, acknowledge the challenges that remain and support efforts to achieve equality.

“St. Mary’s County recognizes the invaluable contributions of women to the social, economic and political fabric of our community,” the proclamation states, “and is committed to promoting and advancing gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.”

Watch the full proclamation below at 4:28.