Today marks a historic milestone for gender equality, bringing justice for all women and girls in the United States of America as President Biden takes decisive action to enshrine the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) into the US Constitution. By declaring the ERA the law of the land, the United States should join the ranks of the 85% of UN member states that have already recognized the importance of guaranteeing constitutional equality, sending a powerful message that the human rights of every person are of equal importance.
We commend this pivotal achievement, which affirms the country’s commitment to its obligations under international law. This action lays a robust foundation for addressing systemic injustices in the United States, including sexual violence, workplace discrimination, lack of family leave, and barriers to equal representation. Equality Now will continue to work with lawmakers, legal professionals, and advocates to bring the ERA to life and ensure it is a catalyst for meaningful and lasting change.
Finally, we celebrate the unwavering determination of each person who has campaigned for the ERA. Their decades of commitment have culminated in this historic, long-awaited moment in which each woman and girl in this country can finally say “I stand equal in the eyes of the Constitution.”
Thank you, Mr President, for making the rights of all women and girls your legacy.
