R 161929Z AUG 22
MARADMIN 419/22
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/2022 WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY//
REF/A/PUBLIC LAW 93-105/26AUG1973//
NARR/REF A IS PUBLIC LAW 93-105, A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE THE DAY OF AUGUST 26, 1973, AS “WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY.”//
POC/R. STEELE /MAJ/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/DSN 278/EMAIL: RICARDO.STEELE@USMC.MIL//
POC/E. C. HABIB/CAPT/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/DSN 278/EMAIL: EVAN.HABIB@USMC.MIL
POC/A. M. JONES/CIV/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/DSN 287/EMAIL: ALFRITA.JONES@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Women’s Equality Day is celebrated each year in the month of August.  The 2022 Women’s Equality Day theme is:  “Celebrating Women’s Right to Vote.”
2.  On August 26, 1920, Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby certified the 19th amendment of the United States Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.
3.  In 1971, Congresswoman Abzug introduced House Joint Resolutions 808 to designate August 26th as Women’s Equality Day.  Although this joint resolution did not pass, in 1973 Congresswoman Abzug again introduced a bill for Women’s Equality Day.  On August 16th, 1973, the 93rd Congress passed House Joint Resolutions 52, which became Public Law 93-105.  Since then, Presidents have issued proclamations, executive orders, and other guiding statements on Women’s Equality Day.
4.  Women have served in a multitude of vital roles that contributed to the success of the Marine Corps.  Women first entered the Marine Corps to fill the void left by the men fighting overseas.  Subsequently, women have begun serving in increasingly more dynamic and operational capacities.  In 1967, Master Sergeant Barbara Dulinsky became the first woman to serve in a combat zone during the Vietnam Conflict.  Throughout the execution of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Lioness Program attached female Marines to combat units in order to aid in checkpoint searches of women and children.  Following the 2013 combat exclusion policy repeal, women now have the opportunity to serve in every military occupational specialty and unit within the Marine Corps.
5.  As a Service, we must take full advantage of the talents, strengths, skills, and perspectives of every Marine.  Our talent management system will support this imperative and our leaders in prioritizing diversity of thought, fostering inclusivity, and implementing policies that ensure equity across the force.  During this observance day, commanders are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the invaluable service and selfless contributions of women – military, veteran, and civilian - to our country and Corps.  Commanders are further encouraged to conduct programs and promote participation in observance events within their commands and across their local communities.
6.  The Marine Corps is committed to living the values we defend and treating everyone with dignity and respect.  As such, the Marine Corps takes pride in building strength through diversity and is dedicated to promoting a professional environment free from personal, social, or institutional barriers that prevent Marines from reaching their full potential.
7. Release authorized by BGen A. T. Williamson, Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division.//