A Reflection on Progress and the Road Ahead

August 26th marks Women's Equality Day, a day that commemorates the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. This historic amendment granted women the right to vote, a pivotal moment in the long struggle for gender equality in the United States.

As tribute to this formidable advancement, the current Broadway show SUFFS, honoring the Suffragists, highlights the determination, sacrifices, and victories of the women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote. It was apropos then to feature live performances by the SUFFS cast at our Woman of the Year event in May as the play and its messages serve as a powerful reminder of the perseverance and trailblazing efforts required to achieve change. Certainly, the ratification of the 19th Amendment signaled progressive change, but it was only a first step.

As we reflect on Women’s Equality Day, it is crucial to recognize that the 19th Amendment did not grant all women the right to vote; it primarily enfranchised white women. It wasn't until the Voting Rights Act of 1965, nearly 45 years later, that women of all races could exercise their voting rights freely. The Voting Rights Act, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, was a landmark piece of legislation that prohibited racial discrimination in voting. It ensured that all women, regardless of race, had the ability to participate in the democratic process. This act was another critical step forward in the fight for equality.?

This Women's Equality Day we can certainly point to progress and also acknowledge there is more ahead that needs to be addressed.

The Role of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association in Advancing Equality

Organizations like the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) play a crucial role in advancing gender equality in today's world. Founded in 1977, the HBA is dedicated to furthering the advancement and impact of women in the business of healthcare. Through its initiatives, the HBA provides women with the tools, resources, and networks they need to succeed in their careers, fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace and enabling women to serve in the highest positions of leadership.?

The HBA's work is particularly important in the healthcare industry, where women make up a significant portion of the workforce but are often underrepresented in leadership positions. By advocating for gender parity and empowering women to reach their full potential, the HBA is helping to break down the barriers that have historically limited women's opportunities and bringing the perspective of women to the forefront within the healthcare industry.?

Continuing to Strive for Equality

As we commemorate Women's Equality Day, it's important to celebrate our collective advancements and recognize the work that still lies ahead. For instance, within the HBA, we are seeing what was once a predominately homogeneous organization progress and evolve into an inclusive, and international organization. Since 2021, our United Force for Change community has evolved into a more diverse network with Women of Color now representing 45 percent of our volunteer leadership (up 40 percent), and 41 percent of our membership (up 24 percent), in the last three years.

Women from different backgrounds, ethnicities, industries, and experiences are taking leadership positions within the organization and within the broad healthcare landscape that spans the life sciences, biotech, medical devices, health information technology, care delivery, and many other verticals. Continuing the advancement of women and helping to facilitate the development of new leaders from different backgrounds and experiences is the recently formed Constellation League, which consists of past organizational leaders who are lending their time, energy and expertise to continue to advance the mission and vision of the HBA. Members of the Constellation League are supporting and promoting women encouraging them to proactively manage their career advancement, leadership development, and business acumen.? HBA, in these efforts, is helping to lift all peoples. ?

The fight for gender equality is not confined to a single moment in history but is an ongoing effort that requires vigilance and dedication.?HBA is committed to continuing progress and creates opportunities for all women to narrow the gender gap.

Let this Women's Equality Day be a call to action for all of us to continue striving for a world where equality is not just a promise but a reality for everyone, regardless of gender, race, or background.

This post was authored by members of HBA’s Constellation League.?To learn more about this recently formed network within the HBA, click here .