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Obama Creates White House Women's Council

Panel will help coordinate Cabinet-level policy on women's issues

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 11, 2009 6:23 AM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama will sign an executive order today creating a White House panel to advise on women's issues, the Washington Post reports. Senior adviser Valerie Jarrett will head the White House Council on Women and Girls, which will be tasked with coordinating government policy regarding women and families. A similar panel created by President Clinton was disbanded when George W. Bush took office.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (2)]

President Barack Obama walks with senior adviser Valerie Jarrett as they return to the White House in Washington, Tuesday, March 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

A woman holds a sign during a rally for Barack Obama, Friday, Sept. 19, 2008. Analysts see the creation of the White House women's council as a move to shore up the president's vital female support. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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It's certainly more than we have had in the last eight years. We're pretty happy with this administration.
- Susan Scanlan of the National Council of Women’s Organizations

The mission of the Council will be to provide a coordinated federal response to the challenges confronted by women and girls. - White House memo on the new council

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Obama Creates White House Women's Council