Women’s Equality Day 2021 is an observance of critical importance. On August 26th, Women’s Equality Day is celebrated in the United States. The observance day commemorates the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment (Amendment XIX) to the United States Constitution. Giving women the right to vote, the Nineteenth Amendment guarantees, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”

Despite the institution of the Nineteenth Amendment, the road to equality for women since 1920 has been a bumpy ride. Thus, in 1971, Representative Bella Abzug of New York championed a Congressional bill to designate August 26 as Women’s Equality Day. Given the history of women being treated as second-class citizens, the bill is a necessity. It states that women are entitled to full rights and privileges across the board in the United States.

As a forerunner in the treatment industry of championing women’s rights and women’s health, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) marks the significance of Women’s Equality Day 2021. In a hopefully post-pandemic world, the contributions of women to American society are as important as they have ever been.

Women’s Equality Day 2021 = Recognition and Respect

Indeed, the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment at the beginning of 1920 did not lead to instant equality for women or even the immediate right to vote. It took the rest of the year to convince a majority of the states to certify the new amendment to the constitution. Moreover, achieving the vote only opens the door for the women’s movement to achieve equality. Hence, feminists continue the battle ever since to achieve equality, both in public and private settings.

A major critical issue is an ongoing battle for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as a macrocosmic extension of the Nineteenth Amendment. As a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution, ERA would guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. It seeks to end the legal distinctions between men and women in matters of divorce, property, employment, and other matters. Alice Paul and Crystal Eastman wrote the first version of an ERA. They introduced the proposed amendment to the United States Congress in December 1923.

Despite being introduced almost a hundred years ago, the Equal Rights Amendment remains in limbo. Therefore, Women’s Equality Day 2021 is another opportunity to underline equality as a constitutional right in the United States. For further information and resources, here is a link to the home page of the National Women’s History Museum that provides online interactive exhibits about the history of the struggle.

Equality in Treatment and Women’s Equality Day 2021

Under most presidents, a proclamation is issued on Women’s Equality Day to underscore the importance of the ongoing struggle. In 2016, President Barack Obama proclaims with passion, “Today, as we celebrate the anniversary of this hard-won achievement and pay tribute to the trailblazers and suffragists who moved us closer to a more just and prosperous future, we resolve to protect this constitutional right and pledge to continue fighting for equality for women and girls.”

In the same spirit of continuing the battle, TTC champions equality and opportunity in treatment settings. For example, TTC applied for and received a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). The grant focuses on a Residential Treatment Program for Pregnant and Postpartum Women (PPW). Led by Alesia Ping Difore at TTC’s Antelope Valley location, the program provides treatment equality. Thus pregnant women and women with minor children in SUD treatment settings access help. Indeed, treatment for substance use disorders is a priority for any person who is willing to ask for help.

SAMHSA and the Residential Treatment Program for Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Thus, as described by SAMHSA, “The purpose of this program is to provide pregnant and postpartum women treatment for substance use disorders through programs in which, during the course of receiving treatment, 1) the women reside in or receive treatment services from facilities provided by the programs; 2) the minor children of the women reside with the women in such facilities if the women so request; and 3) the services are available to or on behalf of the women.”

From the perspective of Tarzana Treatment Centers, equality in treatment for women reflects the best of Women’s Equality Day 2021. If any woman is in crisis, treatment access is a necessity. Ultimately, these women are the spearheads of the future of the country. Thus, they need to access the best possible treatment services to continue on a path that leads to future success.