Celebrate Women’s Equality Day With These Gift Ideas for Her

August 26th marks Women’s Equality Day, and commemorates all the women who fiercely fought for equal rights in the women's suffrage movement. It took women’s rights activists nearly a hundred years to win the right to vote, and the journey was one gashed with protest and discrimination every step of the way. But, on August 18, 1920, congress ratified the 19th amendment, declaring American women deserve the same rights of citizenship as men.

Today, we observe Women’s Equality Day to recognize the plight and accomplishments of women’s rights activists — and to call attention to women’s current struggles, of all the work that still needs to be done.

Equity vs. Equality

To truly make progress in women’s and human rights, it is salient to first understand the difference between equality and equity. Equality is providing everyone with the same level of resources and opportunities, whereas equity refers to providing various levels of specialized resources and opportunities based on people’s specific needs. While these words might sound similar, there’s a word of difference between them.

Let’s put this into context: imagine if two people of varying heights were asked to pick apples from the same tree, and both were provided with a ladder of equal height. This is equality, even though it means giving the taller person the added benefit. Equity, on the other hand, would mean providing the shorter person with a taller ladder so that both people could have the same level of access and opportunity to pick apples.

To quote RISE Module, “Equity recognizes that everyone doesn’t begin in the same place in society. Some people face adverse conditions and circumstances [that make it] more challenging with the same effort to achieve the same goals.” Therefore, equity guarantees equal opportunities for people who have been historically disadvantaged, ensuring progress is underway.

What is the Equality Act?

The Equality Act 2021, passed by congress this March, “prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity” in public accomodations, employment, housing, credit, jury service, and federally funded programs such as health and education. This protects communities, such as those who identify as LGBTQ+ and women, from discrimination and advances fair treatment and gender equality.

As an equal opportunity employer, it is not enough to treat workers equally; it’s vital to actively advocate equity for workers who have been historically marginalized and discriminated against.

Women work hard, both in their personal and professional lives. In fact, according to a survey conducted by Hive, women are assigned more tasks at the office and work ten percent harder than men in the same setting. Women also shoulder more responsibilities at home, with marriage and childcare — so, why not take this Women’s Equality Day to close the equal pay gap, and show them you acknowledge their work and hardships with a token of gratitude?

Here at SmartGift, we’ve compiled a list of simple gift ideas for her to let her know that she is appreciated — whether she’s a friend, sister, wife, employee, or associate, the picks are sure to communicate how you appreciate and respect her!

On December 6, 1913, the National Woman’s Party in the United States described the meaning of the colors in their flag by saying, “Purple is the color of loyalty, constancy to purpose, unswerving steadfastness to a cause. White, the emblem of purity, symbolizes the quality of our purpose.” Send her a lovely medley of purple and white blooms to commemorate the movement and her accomplishments — this is sure to brighten up her desk and day.

Give her a basket so she always has a healthy (and delicious!) treat at hand. Sweet apples from the orchard and peanut butter pretzels will make wonderful gifts for her to enjoy throughout her day.

Any tea connoisseur is sure to appreciate a vast selection of organic wellness tea. With thirty tea bags in a range of different flavors, this will make a wonderful, personalized surprise.

Jewelry lovers will cherish these refined and detailed accessories from Kendra Scott and Pandora. Send them purple pendants, earrings, and charms to celebrate women worldwide.

Every woman needs some time for herself to unwind and recharge. With the thoughtful gift of relaxation, she can rest easy after hours with aromatic lavender.

Since Women’s Equality Day isn’t a day traditionally associated with gifting, a token of appreciation could be a lovely surprise for the women in your life. Remember: change begins with you, so make sure to recognize women for their work and achievements every day of the year.

From everyone here at SmartGift, we wish you all a happy Women’s Equality Day!