FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Community members from across the Mountain Post gathered at the Elkhorn Conference Center Monday to recognize the struggles endured by women to gain equality.
In 1971 Congress designated Aug. 26 as "Women's Equality Day" and this year marks the 91st anniversary of the 19th Amendment that signed into law a woman's right to vote on the same basis as a man. Women's Equality Day is a symbol of women's continued fight for equal rights, said Sgt. Amber Hargrove, equal opportunity leader, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
This year's theme is "I am where I am because of the bridges that I crossed," which celebrates women's right to vote.
"The paths and bridges built and crossed by intrepid female leaders has opened new roads for achieving new heights for women today," Hargrove said.
Adis Vila, U.S. Air Force Academy chief diversity officer and guest speaker, said equality for women has grown tremendously, but there is still room for growth in areas such as the government and military.
"We should be celebrating … 91 years since the right to vote is a big deal, but more importantly -- can we stop? And the answer is absolutely not," Vila said. "There are still quite a few obstacles for women to face."
Since 1994, the Army has expanded the number and range of positions that women are allowed to fill. More than 20,000 positions currently held by women in the Army would have to be closed to them had an earlier version of the amendment been adopted; jobs for women in the Navy and Air Force would have been affected as well, Hargrove said.
Hargrove said today there are 57 active-duty women serving as generals or admirals; and military leaders were quick to praise the service of women in the military describing their performance as "magnificent."
"The Army is currently undergoing a reorganization of its personnel structure; while backing away from the restriction on women," she said.
"The battle for women's rights is ultimately a battle for human rights, and the march for equality will not end until full parity and equal opportunity are attained in every state and workplace across our nation," Hargrove said.
"I think we can celebrate 2011 -- I think we have, as a country, come a long way. The world our children will inherit will require even more," Vila said.
"We still have a long way to go. Problems may be different and challenges, I believe, are greater. I think, at least for today, we can gloat in the wonderful things that our folks have done to bring more equality to our world. And if nothing else, to inspire us of the rest of the work that needs to be done," Vila said.
Social Sharing