Proclamation 9308-Women's Equality Day, 2015
Issued 2015-08-24 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
On August 24, 2015, President Obama issued a proclamation designating Women's Equality Day to mark the 95th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote on August 26, 1920. This proclamation is purely ceremonial—it doesn't create new laws or impose any requirements on citizens. Instead, it serves as a formal statement recognizing the historical significance of women's suffrage and the ongoing work toward gender equality in America.
The proclamation highlights various policy efforts the Obama Administration pursued related to women's equality, including the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (the first bill President Obama signed), proposals to raise the minimum wage and expand overtime protections, support for paid family leave and sick days, and protections under the Affordable Care Act that prevent insurance companies from charging women more than men. It also mentions initiatives to combat sexual assault on college campuses and efforts to end domestic violence.
This proclamation affects all Americans by drawing national attention to women's equality as what the President called "a core civil and human rights principle." It's part of a long presidential tradition of issuing ceremonial observances dating back to George Washington, requiring no congressional approval and carrying no legal force beyond expressing the President's perspective on behalf of the nation.
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Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9308-Women's Equality Day, 2015" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to equality. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 Proclamation 9308—Women's Equality Day, 2015 August 24, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On August 26, 1920, after years of agitating to break down the barriers that stood between them and the ballot box, American women won the right to vote. On the front lines of pickets and protests, champions from every corner of our country banded together to expand this fundamental freedom to women and forge a path toward fairer representation and greater opportunity. As we celebrate 95 years since the certification of the 19th Amendment, let us demonstrate our commitment to the belief that we are all entitled to equal treatment by supporting policies that help women succeed and thrive. Since this historic achievement, our country has made great progress in building a freer and fairer society, and we continue striving to fully realize justice and equality for all. There is still more to do to secure the promise of our Nation for everyone, including ensuring that women have equal opportunities to participate in the classroom, the economy, the workplace, and our democracy. From day one, my Administration has carried forward the torch of gender equality, working tirelessly to ensure that all of Ame