Who has been the best U.S. president for women? It’s complicated



It’s challenging to definitively name a single “best” U.S. president for women, as several have made significant contributions to advancing women’s rights and opportunities. However, several presidents stand out for their efforts:

Jimmy Carter

President Jimmy Carter made substantial strides for women’s rights during his presidency from 1977 to 1981:

  • He appointed an unprecedented number of women to key positions in his administration, including Cabinet-level roles.
  • Carter nominated Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, paving the way for her later Supreme Court appointment.
  • He was a vocal supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and signed a law extending its ratification deadline.
  • Carter signed important legislation like the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978.

Barack Obama

President Obama also made significant contributions:

  • He signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act as his first piece of legislation.
  • Obama reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act.
  • He created the White House Council on Women and Girls to ensure women’s needs were considered in all policies and legislation.
  • Obama appointed two women to the Supreme Court: Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.

Woodrow Wilson

While initially reluctant, Wilson eventually became a strong advocate for women’s voting rights as he publicly endorsed women’s right to vote in 1918. A hardcore racist, Wilson actively lobbied Congress to pass the 19th Amendment, which was ultimately ratified in 1920.

Other Notable Presidents

  • Richard Nixon supported women’s rights throughout his career, tripling the hiring of women in the Executive Branch and signing Title IX into law.
  • Bill Clinton signed the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act and worked to ensure fair pay for women.
  • Joe Biden has focused on advancing gender equity and equality both domestically and globally, defending reproductive freedom and promoting women’s political participation.

While these presidents made significant contributions, it’s important to note that progress in women’s rights has been a collective effort spanning multiple administrations and involving countless activists and advocates.

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