CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Women’s Commission (WVWC) will celebrate West Virginia Women’s Equality Day on Thursday, August 26, 2021, the 101st anniversary of the 19th amendment to the Constitution which guarantees women the right to vote. The virtual celebration will take place on the WVWC Facebook page (facebook.com/WVaWomen) at 11:00 a.m.

“This year’s Equality Day provides a special opportunity to honor the creation of the Suffragist Memorial Committee during the West Virginia Legislature’s 2021 session,” said Julie Palas, Interim Executive Director for the West Virginia Women’s Commission. “The nine committee members are tasked with the creation of the West Virginia Women’s Suffrage Memorial to be located on the State Capitol grounds as a permanent reminder of the impact of the suffragists on West Virginia’s past, present and future.”

To celebrate passage of the 19th amendment, residents can attend the online West Virginia Women’s Equality Day celebration, attend local Equality Day celebrations, and invite the Suffragist Memorial Committee to visit organizations or schools to learn more about West Virginia’s suffragists and become part of the movement to create the West Virginia Women’s Suffrage Memorial. Presentations may be requested by emailing renatepore@gmail.com or dhhrwvwc@wv.gov.

“The West Virginia Women’s Commission commemorates Women’s Equality Day through its work to empower women to engage with their government, to celebrate the power of women to participate in the political process and to realize how important they are to a strong democracy,” said Kenyatta Grant, WVWC Chair. “This event allows us to reflect on the progress made and emphasize the need to protect the right to vote and increase voter participation in West Virginia.”