Proc. 7584 Title 3--The President pating in health fairs and screenings, blood drives, immunizations, and open house events. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 18 through 24, 2002, as National Health Center Week. I encourage all Americans to observe this week with appropriate activities and programs in order to raise their aware- ness of the importance and variety of services provided by America's health centers. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7584 of August 23, 2002 Women's Equality Day, 2002 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation Today, American women enjoy unprecedented opportunities in business, education, politics, and countless other aspects of our society. Historically, however, women suffered grave inequalities and were denied some of the most fundamental benefits of citizenship. Each year on August 26th, we mark the important anniversary of the day on which women gained the right to vote. In celebrating Women's Equality Day, we remember the brave and determined individuals who worked to ensure that all women have the opportunity to participate in our democ- racy. Their dedication to the suffrage movement improved our society, and continues to inspire women today. When the first Women's Rights Convention was convened in Seneca Falls in 1848, women in the United States had limited financial, legal, and polit- ical power. In addition to being denied the right to vote, they also could not own property, control their wages, or claim custody of their children. Courageous heroes like Cartie Chapman Catt, Alice Paul, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony refused to accept women's status, and began a determined struggle to gain suffrage for women. Leading active and vocal groups like the National American Woman Suffrage Association and the National Woman's Party, these women risked attack and arrest to orga- nize marches, boycotts, and pickets, while mobilizing an influential lob- bying force of millions. Finally, on August 26, 1920, the women's suffrage movement accomplished its goal through the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing women the right to vote. In Afghanistan, the Tallban used violence and fear to deny Afghan women access to education, health care, mobility, and the right to vote. Our coali- tion has liberated Afghanistan and restored fundamental human rights and 118
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