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Council on Women and Girls Friday Highlights

June 24, 2011 at 6:50 PM ET by Monique Dorsainvil

Summary:

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).

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.