50 Ways to Improve Women's Lives: The Essential Women's Guide for Achieving Equality, Health, and Success (Inner Ocean Action Guide) (Paperback)

~ National Council of Women's Organizations (Editor), Martha Burk (Introduction), Madeleine K. Albright (Afterword) "You've taken the first step: you have picked up this book..." (more)
Key Phrases: obstetric fistula, cause marketing, financial literacy, United States, Social Security, African American (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A powerful new call-to-action series was launched with the New York Times bestselling "MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country." The second book in the series, "50 Ways to Improve Women's Lives," written by nationally recognized women, is poised to again become an instrument for change and reinvigorate a movement. "50 Ways to Improve Women's Lives" parlays the collective expertise of the National Council of Women's Organizations' 200 member organizations - which include Planned Parenthood, NOW, League of Women Voters, CodePink, the AAUW, National Council of Negro Women, and the YWCA - and features 50 personal, inspiring essays with "Helping Ourselves" and "Call-to-Action" sidebars. Covering subjects as diverse as pay equity, reproductive health, childcare, racism, and women in leadership, the book addresses topics that affect women (and all of us!) on a personal and political level, and provides readers with ways to move beyond old arguments and turn inspiration into action.

Contributors include Madeleine Albright, Gloria Feldt, Kim Gandy, Patricia Ireland, Eleanor Smeal, Congresswomen Schakowsky, Maloney, Ros-Lehtinen, and Feinstein, and many others.

From the Inside Flap

Have you noticed that work and family balance is viewed as a mother's issue and not a parent's issue? Do you know in your heart that violence is never the answer and want to stop it? Do you wish you saw more women leaders and politicians in decision-making positions?

Women’s voices are needed now more than ever, at the kitchen table and at the global roundtable. Covering subjects as diverse as pay equity, reproductive health, child care, racism, and leadership, 50 Ways to Improve Women’s Lives addresses topics that affect women (and all of us!) on a personal and political level—and provides readers with ways to move beyond tired arguments and turn inspiration in to action.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: New World Library (June 21, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1930722451
• ISBN-13: 978-1930722453
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #435,784 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A diversity of subjects of particular interest to women, June 4, 2005

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

50 Ways To Improve Women's Lives: The Essential Women's Guide To Achieving Equality, Health, And Success by the National Council of Women's Organizations (a nonpartisan coalition of 200 women's groups representing more than 10 million woman across the United States) addresses a diversity of subjects of particular interest to women including pay equity, reproductive health, child care, racism, education, social responsibilities, political leadership, and more. Very highly recommended and accessible reading, 50 Ways To Improve Women's Lives provides practical advice that will enable the reader to become actively involved in advancing the quality and independence of her life, and to more effectively pursue her personal and professional agendas.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Way to Put Our Passion into Action, March 8, 2005

By	K. Newton "Maui Mom" (Hawaii) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book gives a great overview of issues that most effect women by sharing stories and facts to illustrate important areas where change needs to occur, from childcare and family issues to equal pay, and women in sports and science.

I found it quick and easy to read--and I have very little time as a working mom!--with practical and doable actions if I so chose. For example, I was appalled to hear about the state of (very little or misleading!) sex education for high school students. Since I have kids about to enter their teens, this issue spoke to me. And it gave several ways for me to get active: by not supporting funding for harmful abstinence programs; asking my elected officials to fund honest and comprehensive sex ed; and then how to make sure my kids develop their own decision-making and critical thinking skills related to sex (and how to talk to them about it!) And this is just one of the 50 Ways... in the book.

I highly recommend this for people who want to get involved but are not sure how--and who don't have time to read huge volumes of books on politics and public policy.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Want to Help Women? Start Here, December 27, 2006

By	Veronica Anzaldua - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Though I didn't read the whole thing, this is a good book. It doesn't merely complain about the problems that we women (sadly) still face. It actually provides us with solutions on how to remedy problems ranging from threats to reproductive freedom to pay inequities to racism against women of color, among other things. The book also provides a list of websites, books, and organizations that readers can contact for additional help. At a time when we as women are still facing injustices because of our sex, this book gives us what we need to fight the good fight and achieve justice, dignity, respect, and freedom for us and our sisters.