United States of America

It is estimated that up to seven in ten women globally will be beaten, raped, abused, or mutilated in their lifetimes. Violence against women is universal, and is prevalent in all countries and all settings. A gross human rights violation, it fractures families and communities and hampers development, also costing countries billions of dollars annually in healthcare costs and lost productivity...

"Since 1936 when the first woman was sworn into the Louisiana Legislature, women have worked diligently to earn every legislative seat held," she said. "In the last 20 years, the number of women had increased steadily in the Legislature, but during the last election cycle, the numbers dropped significantly from 25 women to 16.

"This is truly of great concern to me and my fellow women legislators currently serving in the Louisiana House and Senate. As compared to other states, we are not seeing a significant number of women in leadership roles."

Women's rights advocates and federal lawmakers in Washington, DC pledged to revive the efforts to adopt the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. They believe that the amendment has a better chance to be ratified in this Congress.
For more information, please visit http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=3112