2020 marks 100 years since the federal government legalized women’s right to vote.
As plans to observe the anniversary get underway, other historic moments for women are on the horizon in Virginia.
Two days before the Virginia General Assembly convenes, a group of lawmakers and community members met to discuss how to commemorate the centennial of the 19th Amendment.
Delegate Betsy Carr sits on the planning task force. “We’re very excited about what’s going on," Carr said afterward. "There will be many exhibitions and events around the state.” That includes two traveling displays by the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and the Library of Virginia.
Click here for more on the history of women's suffrage in Virginia
2020 marks another historic moment for women in Virginia. On Wednesday Eileen Filler-Corn will become the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House of Delegates. “In addition, we have the first woman clerk," Carr noted. "We have more women involved in serving their districts.”
Meanwhile, Democrats will try again to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, which could legalize constitutional equality for women. Democrats attempted to pass the amendment in 2019, but their efforts failed in the Republican-controlled House. This year, Democrats have the majority.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.