Gender equality

June 23, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC -- Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today issued the following statement to mark the anniversary of the enactment of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972:

“Title IX has unlocked doors and created opportunities for millions of women in America. In the 36 years since Title IX’s enactment, there has been a massive increase in the number of women participating in high school and college sports.    » read more »

June 23, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement to commemorate the 36th Anniversary of Title IX.

"Thirty-six years ago today, America took a bold step forward on the long march toward justice and equality when Congress enacted Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, banning gender discrimination in all education programs that receive federal money.

Barack Obama in New Mexico: Photo by Barack Obama campaign (CC)    » read more »

In 2000, Congress passed a provision requiring the SBA to award 5% of contracts to women owned businesses

May 1, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today sent the following letter to the head of the Small Business Administration (SBA), Steven Preston, objecting to the SBA's proposed rule, entitled Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Assistance procedures, which would do little or nothing to rectify the underrepresentation of and discrimination against women owned businesses in government contracting awards.

Senator Barack Obama: Photo by abbyladybug (CC)    » read more »

Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act Would Restore Fair Rule for Filing Claims of Pay Discrimination

April 23, 2008 -- Washington, DC—Senator Hillary Clinton spoke on the floor of the United States Senate today, urging the Senate to pass legislation to remove an obstacle that denies women and other workers a fair opportunity to seek redress when they are the victims of pay discrimination.

Senator Hillary Clinton: Photo by Daniella Zalcman (CC)    » read more »

April 23, 2008 -- Nevada Senator Harry Reid discussed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007 (Fair Pay Act) that was blocked by Republicans today. The act would help to ensure equal pay for equal work for all workers, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.

Nevada Senator Harry Reid: Photo courtesy Senator Harry Reid's office

"I don't know how anyone would oppose something like this. It just makes sense that people should be treated fairly," Reid said. "Today, Democrats tried to restore equal pay for equal work regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability, but were again blocked by Republican tactics."    » read more »

4/23/2008 -- In response to the U.S. Senate rejecting the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a bill that would have provided American women with the legal recourse to challenge workplace discrimination when it occurs, Hillary Clinton issued the following statement:

Senator Hillary Clinton: Photo by Alan Chan (CC)    » read more »

April 22, 2008 -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement in commemoration of Equal Pay Day today:

"Democrats are committed to the fundamental idea that all people deserve equal pay for equal work, no matter their gender, skin color, background or beliefs. But for too many women, wage disparity is still a stark reality. This inequity can have a drastic effect on a woman's life as she works to support herself and her family, and it puts her at greater risk of living in poverty both while working and in retirement.    » read more »