![President Obama's Final State of the Union, Jan 12, 9pm ET](https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/files/tout_images/sotu2016_featured_blog.jpg)
Welcome to the Council on Women and Girls Weekly Highlights! This week, Senator Robert Menendez and Representative Carolyn Maloney re-introduced the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). In 1972, Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment to grant women equal protection and treatment under the law. Unfortunately, the ERA failed to be ratified as a constitutional amendment in 1982. This Administration will continue to promote the advancement of women by supporting this legislation. We are winning the future for women by ending inequality in the present.
The First Lady continues to spread the message of women’s equality internationally. This week, the First Lady embarked on a historic trip to South Africa and Botswana. The First Lady traveled to Johannesburg and Cape Town to meet with young leaders making a difference in their communities. Mrs. Obama’s speech at the Young Women Leaders Forum is inspiring a generation of youth at home and abroad. You can follow the First Lady's trip by visiting http://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/youngafrica.
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President Obama on the Way Forward in Afghanistan
Supporting the Equal Rights Amendment
"Your Commander-in-Chief Has Your Back"
Join the First Lady’s Trip to Africa
Photos | The First Lady's First Day in South Africa
Winning the Future with Small Business
Promoting an Open Investment Policy to Create Jobs and Grow the Economy
Joining Forces with the Illinois National Guard
The Path to Successful Civilian Careers
Manufacturing Our Nation's Clean Energy Future
President Obama’s Weekly Address
Monique Dorsainvil is a Staff Assistant in the Office of Public Engagement focusing on the Council on Women and Girls and LGBT Outreach