Governor Hochul Signs Proclamation Naming August 26 Women's Equality Day

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a proclamation naming August 26, 2021 Women's Equality Day.

"Fifty-six governors led New York before me and they were all men. I am honored to be the first woman to hold this office in our great state, which is the birthplace of the Women's Rights Movement," Governor Hochul said. "Women around the world should follow whatever dreams they have for themselves and rest assured they can overcome any obstacle in their way. On my third day in office I am proud to proclaim August 26th Women's Equality Day."

Originally introduced in 1971 by Representative Bella Abzug of New York and passed in 1973 by the U.S. Congress, August 26 was deemed Women's Equality Day to commemorate the certification of the 19th Amendment in 1920 which granted women the right to vote.

On August 24, Governor Hochul directed state landmarks to be lit purple and gold in honor of Women's Equality through tonight, August 26.

Thirteen landmarks will be illuminated tonight including:

• One World Trade Center
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• State Fairgrounds - Main Gate and Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• The Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Complex

Photos of the landmarks illuminated earlier in the week are available here.