by KYW's Dr. Marciene Mattleman
The Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University reports that in the presidential election, 56% of women voted for Barack Obama versus 49% of men and, as you would expect women’s groups have been looking closely at governmental appointments.
The President launched Women’s History Month, announcing that Kathleen Sebelius would head the Department of Health and Human Services.
With Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, Janet Napolitano overseeing the Homeland Security Department and Hilda Solis as Secretary of Labor, there are 4 female cabinet members. However, with three other high level appointments, there are 7 out of 21 cabinet –level posts.
According to Women’s eNews, some advocates are disappointed; however they point to Obama’s commitment to improving the lives of women in the first bill that he signed, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, that made it easier for women to sue for wage bias.
Congress declared March as Women’s History Month in 1987. We’ve come a long way and the newly announced White House Council on Women and Girls promises more equity to come.
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