Obama Administration Prioritizes Women's Rights Through White House Council, Other Efforts

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs;  Public Health
Article Date: 15 Sep 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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Women's-rights groups say that President Obama's actions during the first several months of his presidency demonstrate that their issues are a priority for the administration, USA Today reports. Obama in March established the White House Council on Women and Girls, which he said would "ensure that American women are treated fairly in all matters of public policy." According to USA Today, the council currently is reviewing every government agency to assess how well their programs benefit women. Obama created the council a few weeks after signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act (S 181).

Obama also appointed domestic violence expert Lynn Rosenthal to be the first White House senior adviser on violence against women, a role in which she will help develop programs and policies to curb domestic violence and sexual assault. Obama selected Melanne Verveer to serve as the first ambassador-at-large for global women's issues at the State Department, where she will help direct efforts to address issues regarding women's health, education and economic prospects internationally. In addition, first lady Michelle Obama has been involved in several programs focused on women, such as a school speakers series during Women's History Month.

Feminist Majority Foundation President Eleanor Smeal said, "This has been the most open White House to women's issues and groups," adding that over Obama's first six months, "we have been brought in more than ever before." Terry O'Neill, president of the National Organization for Women, said, "We clearly have a friend in the White House." Former NOW President Kim Gandy said that women's groups want the Obama administration and Congress to approve paid family leave, strengthen Title IX rules for female athletes, and pass wage discrimination protection laws.

Some conservative women's groups contend that their views are being excluded. Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America, said, "Obama's policies reflect the views of hard-core abortion and feminist groups," adding that it is "insulting to assume that there is one 'women's view' and it is represented by liberal feminist activists" (Hall, USA Today, 9/14).

Reprinted with kind permission from http://www.nationalpartnership.org. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.

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