Women’s Equality Day virtual panel will feature leading women in NJ state government for an educational and empowering free event suitable for all ages

Trenton, NJ – In commemoration of Women’s Equality Day and the centennial of the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, NJ Women Vote: The 19th Amendment at 100 will host a virtual panel, Building on Our Past to Pave Our Future, on Wednesday, August 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The commemorative event, to be held via Zoom, is a collaborative effort co-sponsored by the New Jersey Division on Women, a division of the Department of Children and Families, and Thomas Edison State University. On Women’s Equality Day, NJ Women Vote will invite New Jerseyeans of all ages to honor the pioneering women, throughout history, who have strived to create a more equitable society, while engaging modern-day leaders who continue in this work.

NJ Women Vote: The 19th Amendment at 100 (NJ Women Vote) is a statewide initiative dedicated to observing the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted American women the constitutional right to vote. Representing over seventy partner organizations across New Jersey, NJ Women Vote aims to mark the centennial of women’s suffrage while acknowledging its inequities and the challenges New Jersey women of all backgrounds continue to confront from 1920 to the present day. The New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State, and the non-profit Alice Paul Institute serve as lead partners for the initiative. NJ Women Vote is co-chaired by New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way and First Lady Tammy Murphy. The Women’s Equality Day panel is one of NJ Women Vote’s signature programs, offering participants the opportunity to acknowledge the dynamic role of women in harnessing political change.

“Women’s Equality Day is a perfect opportunity to both consider the progress women have already made and reinforce continued efforts to achieve an equal voice in our society,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Even more importantly, it is an inspirational moment for us all to ensure the next generation of leaders reflects the tremendous diversity of our state and nation.”

The panel will be moderated by Debbie Walsh, Director of the Center for American Women in Politics, a unit of the Eagleton Institute at Rutgers University. Panelists include: New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, and former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman. Secretary of State Tahesha Way and First Lady Tammy Murphy will provide opening remarks. The event will conclude with powerful performances from poet Susanna Rich and professional storyteller Queen Nur.

“Co-chairing NJ Women Vote has given me the opportunity, throughout 2020, to reflect on the trailblazing women who have afforded many women, myself included, the chance to serve as leaders in state government,” said Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “I am delighted to join such an esteemed group of women, who will surely inspire new generations of young women to be involved in government.”

To register for the event, free of charge, please visit https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TpuzWzARQW2R0hasmNPZzw.

---

About NJ Women Vote: The 19th Amendment at 100

NJ Women Vote: The 19th Amendment at 100 is multi-faceted initiative featuring a year-long series of events, programs, and projects in 2020 set to mark the centennial of the passage of the 19th Amendment in New Jersey. The New Jersey Historical Commission, in collaboration with the non-profit Alice Paul Institute, has gathered over seventy partners, representing a range of historical and cultural organizations, women’s groups, government agencies, libraries, and higher education institutions to help plan this pivotal year. To learn more about NJ Women Vote, please visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram @NJWomenVote100. You can also join our email list by contacting NJWV Communications Assistant Erica Meline at njwomenvote100@gmail.com.