Today Governor Josh Stein declared August 26 as Women’s Equality Day to commemorate the ratification of the 19th amendment. The Governor also is recognizing the ongoing work to ensure equitable access to the ballot box and other necessary services for the health and well-being of North Carolina women and families.
“Supporting women strengthens families, communities, and our entire state,” said Governor Josh Stein. “On Women’s Equality Day, we honor the women who won the right to vote and recommit ourselves to ensuring every woman in North Carolina has the opportunity to succeed.”
The NC Department of Administration’s Council for Women and Division for Women and Youth join organizations throughout the state to advocate for women’s rights, providing leadership, support, and a collective voice on issues involving civic engagement, education, economic opportunity, gender-based violence, and access to comprehensive health care.
“This year marks 106 years since the ratification of the 19th amendment, and while we honor this milestone, we also recognize the glaring challenges women and families face each and every day, from access to child care and housing to livable wages and reproductive care,” said NC Department of Administration Secretary Gabriel J. Esparza. “We examine these issues and more in our Status of Women reports, offering recommendations to improve the outlook for women and families across the state.”
In 2025, DOA’s Division for Women and Youth released the sixth report in the Status of Women series in collaboration with the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. The report, “Investing in Economic Opportunity for Women in North Carolina,” examines disparities in access to child care and barriers to economic security among North Carolina women and provides recommendations to invest in better outcomes, including implementing a statewide comprehensive paid family and medical leave program and enacting pay equity policies across state agencies.
“Women’s equality means stronger communities, economic growth, and a thriving economy,” said NC Council for Women Chair Annette Taylor. “For a brighter North Carolina, we must continue to shed light on issues impacting the health and well-being of women through improved programs and policies across the state.”
To learn more about the Division, Council and Status of Women reports, visit the NC Department of Administration website.
Read the proclamation.
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About NCDOA and the Division for Women and Youth
The NC Department of Administration acts as the business manager for North Carolina state government. Under the leadership of Secretary Gabriel J. Esparza, the department oversees government operations and advocacy programs. The department's advocacy programs help to promote and assist diverse segments of the state's population that have been traditionally underserved. Part of the NCDOA, the North Carolina Division for Women and Youth’s mission is to advise the governor, state legislators and state leaders on issues impacting women and youth.