Do you recognize the women in the photos below? These are famous American women. Click on each of their photos to learn more about each of them.

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Image of the official portrait of first Lady Michelle Obama.

Michelle Obama is the first African-American First Lady of the United States of America. Michelle Obama is also an accomplished attorney and community service leader.Close Pop Up
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Image of the Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic female appointed to the United States' Supreme Court. Before being appointed as a Supreme Court justice, she was a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.Close Pop Up
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Image of a portrait of Hillary Rodham Clinton

Hillary Rodham Clinton is the Secretary of State for the United States of America. Before being appointed to this position, she was elected to the US Senate for New York and previously served as First Lady of the United States.Close Pop Up
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Image of Judy Chu with a backdrop of a flowing American flag.

Judy Chu was elected to the US House of Representatives in 2009, where she represents the 32nd District in California. Before this position, she was elected as a representative for the California Assembly as well as being elected as a mayor three times.Close Pop Up

These women represent a small sample of American women who play an important role in American government. The American women take part in the democracy of the United States and make an impact on public policy. The rest of this lesson will focus on women in other parts of the world who are impacted by public policy in their respective countries.

Video segment. Assistance may be required. You are about to watch a short video called, "Thirty Years of Empowering Women." After watching the video, answer the following questions:

Source: Thirty Years of Empowering Women, ICRW, YouTube

What are some roles of women in various countries? Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.

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Answers may include: Farmers, Income Earners, and Family care givers.Close Pop Up

What challenges do women worldwide face? Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.

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Answers may include: Illiteracy, denied basic economic and human rights, lack of access to economic resources.Close Pop Up

How does the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) make a difference for all women?

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Answers may include: Reducing domestic violence; expanding property rights; increased education and nutrition; decreasing HIV/AIDS in women; and working for gender equityClose Pop Up

Sources of images used for this section as they appear, top to bottom: