Hochul signs proclamation naming Aug. 26 Women's Equality Day

State landmarks to be lit purple and gold in honor of Women's Equality Day 

Full text of proclamation available here

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday signed a proclamation naming Aug. 26, 2021, Women's Equality Day.

"Fifty-six governors led New York before me and they were all men. I am honored to be the first woman to hold this office in our great state, which is the birthplace of the Women's Rights Movement," Hochul said. "Women around the world should follow whatever dreams they have for themselves and rest assured they can overcome any obstacle in their way. On my third day in office, I am proud to proclaim Aug. 26th Women's Equality Day."

Originally introduced in 1971 by Rep. Bella Abzug of New York and passed in 1973 by the U.S. Congress, Aug. 26 was deemed Women's Equality Day to commemorate the certification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote.

On Aug. 24, Hochul directed state landmarks to be lit purple and gold in honor of Women's Equality through tonight, Aug. 26.

Thirteen landmarks will be illuminated tonight, including:

• One World Trade Center
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate and Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• The Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex
• MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Complex

Photos of the landmarks illuminated earlier in the week are available here.