Gov. Whitmer Proclaims August 26 as Women’s Equality Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 26, 2025

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Proclaims August 26 as Women’s Equality Day

LANSING, Mich.  – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed August 26, 2025, as Women’s Equality Day commemorating the 105th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote.

“On the 105th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, we celebrate Women’s Equality Day and honor the generations of brave women who fought for our fundamental rights and freedoms,” said Governor Whitmer. “As governor, I am proud to continue that fight to ensure every woman has the opportunity she deserves. Together, we will deliver on the issues that make a real difference in people's lives and build a Michigan where anyone can thrive.”

“Women’s Equality Day is an opportunity to not only reflect on the accomplishments of trailblazing women leaders in our state history—like my predecessor, Eva McCall Hamilton, the first woman to ever serve in the Michigan Legislature—but it also serves as a call-to-action for women leaders today to continue laying the groundwork for a future where even more women can follow in our footsteps,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “As the first woman Senate Majority Leader in Michigan history, I’m confident that one day, my portrait in the Capitol will be surrounded by portraits of other women who were inspired to chase their aspirations of leadership, shatter glass ceilings, and proudly take up space in the world.”

Governor Whitmer has worked to ensure appointees reflect Michigan’s diverse population. Governor Whitmer has appointed more than 1,200 women to boards, commissions, and full-time positions, and has appointed 62 women to judicial positions - representing over half of all judicial appointments made during her term.  

Michigan was one of the first three states to pass the 19th Amendment, paving the way for other states to ratify the amendment. Michigan was once home to notable suffragettes including Sojourner Truth, Anna Howard Shaw, Clara Arthur, and Lucia Voorhees Grimes. Women's Equality Day celebrates the monumental efforts of those who have fought and continue to fight to protect women's constitutional right to vote. 

Governor Whitmer’s Historic Wins for Women Across Michigan: 

• Spearheaded the Michigan Women’s Commission and the Women’s Economic Recovery Tour to empower women and provide them with opportunities for achieving economic mobility.  

• Provided grants to community organizations advocating for women’s rights and benefits in the workplace.     

• Lowered costs for Michigan families, by providing an average tax refund of $3,500 to more than 650,000 households through the Michigan Working Families Tax Credit.  

• Expanded free pre-k to all four-year-olds regardless of household income, ensuring all Michigan children are set up for long-term success early on, saving families $10,000 per year.  

• Established the Michigan Guarantee, making community college free saving people up to $27,500.  

• Signed a package of bills formally legalizing IVF and surrogacy, allowing families to make decisions best for them.  

• Partnered with MDDHS to launch the Take Control of Your Birth Control Program, expanding access to free contraceptives via 300 facilities across Michigan.  

• Expanded Medicaid coverage for family planning services up to 195% of the federal poverty level.

• Allowed free-standing birth centers to gain licensure, expanding birthing options that reduce the risk of maternal and infant mortality, especially in Black mothers and children.

View the full proclamation here.

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