Bergen County Unveils Exhibit in Honor of Women's Equality Month

It was 91 years ago this August that women finally won the right to vote in the United States with the passage of the 19th Amendment. In honor of this anniversary, Bergen County officials unveiled an exhibit on Wednesday on women's equality in the lobby of the county administration building. 

The exhibit, created by the 2010-2011 Junior Commissioners on the Bergen County Commission on the Status of Women, features biographies and photos of inspirational women, both past and present, including:

Julia Child, Christa McAuliffe, Elizabeth Blackwell and Clara Barton.

Prior to the unveiling, County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan issued a proclamation at the event in the lobby of One Bergen County Plaza. 

Officials said the display will be featured throughout the month of August, which has been dubbed as “Woman’s Equality Month”. 

The Bergen County Commission on the Status of Women (COSW) was founded in 1975 and serves as a bridge between government and community, studying the needs of women and promoting the expansion of women’s rights.  The Junior Commission was established in 2000 by the County Executive and the Board of Chosen Freeholders under the advisement of the Commission on the Status of Women.

The Junior Commissioners participate in COSW activities and special community projects of their choosing, conferences on issues affecting young women, such as cell phone collections for vulnerable populations, a prom dress drive for those who are unable to afford one on their own, garden planting at a local women's shelter, toy collection for low income families at holiday time, including the month-long Women's Equality Day exhibit in the lobby of One Bergen County Plaza.

The Commission has successfully advocated for legislation that includes: the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE); the N.J. Stalking Law; the N.J. Adult Protective Services Act; the Immediate Income Withholding Act.

The Commission’s other priorities include health care, affordable housing, child care, child support collection, sexual harassment, care of elderly parents and employment rights and opportunities.