TRENDING

June 14 is our country’s yearly celebration of the day our newly patriotic forefathers chose our official flag. In the past, it’s been all about the stars and stripes. But there’s a new reason to celebrate this year. Flag Day 2016 is sharing the spotlight with the first-ever White House Summit on the United State of Women. Ever heard of it? If not, here’s why you should get excited about this major push for gender equality.

The Summit

The United State of Women Summit is a two-day gathering (June 14-15) in Washington, D.C., our nation’s capital. It features seminars and dozens of speakers. People like Sophia Bush, Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama and First Lady Michele Obama are joining forces to talk about what we can do to continue the fight for women’s rights—both within our nation and across the world.

The Issues

There’s definitely not a shortage of conversation starters at the United State of Women Summit. The speeches and seminars throughout the event are structured around six issues that impact you, your BFF, your mom and all other females on a daily basis:
• Economic Empowerment (equal pay for men and women in the workforce, more job opportunities for women, etc.)
• Health & Wellness (better health care coverage for women)
• Educational Opportunity (supporting girls and women through schooling)
• Violence Against Women (making school campuses and public spaces safer for girls and women)
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation (expanding opportunities for female business owners)
• Leadership & Civic Engagement (opening more executive positions to women).

The Pledge

You don’t have to head to D.C. to be a part of the action! The United State of Women Summit has a “Pledge Generator” on its website that allows you to choose from a list of powerful pledges. The list includes “I will use my voice to stand up for my community,” “I will learn whatever I want like it’s nobody’s business” and five other statements. Have something else in mind? You’ll also have the option to write your own pledge and use #StateofWomen, the Summit’s official hashtag.

Want to learn more and pledge your support? Check out The United State of Women website.

Which gender equality issue is most important to you? Share with us below.

Photo credit: Leticia Cantu, United Sate of Women

by Megan Sawey | 6/14/2016