The Massachusetts Women’s Defense Corps (MWDC) was authorized on 2 April 1941 as a state force under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Committee on Public Safety; a state govt. agency that coordinated civil defense during World War II. The initial concept of the MWDC was that it would conduct training for women to serve as volunteers in local Civil Defense agencies. Approximately, 18,000 women were trained for duty as air raid wardens, drivers, communications personnel, canteen workers, medics, chemical detection personnel and as emergency fire fighters. In 1942 graduates of the MWDC School were formally enlisted into the Corps and assigned ranks. MWDC personnel wore brown military-type uniforms purchased at their own expense. Personnel were assigned to companies that were organized into eight geographic battalions around the state. The average strength of the Corps was 1,600 women. The only recognition that Corps personnel received was the award of a ribbon for three years service. The story of the WDC and its service to the Commonwealth is virtually unknown.

I am an American woman with two daughters and a uterus which I have exercised private control over my entire life. As states erode women's right to choice, I call on my representatives and neighbors to buy back our sole and exclusive claims to the uterus for a symbolic penny. I no more abdicate my rights to self determination of this organ than to any part of myself.

Attacks on women in general and those who have been raped.

Many female students, faculty and staff have been bullied, harassed and sexually harassed by male faculty, staff and students at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO. Most of the time nothing is done. It is covered up by "loud" advertising of sexual harassment workshops on their web site which everyone on campus is to attended. However, when an incident happens it is brushed under the rug. The incidents happen so often that a group of women on campus formed a committee to keep track of them. So far they have no voice.

The recent news that she was told to lose weight is shocking. Not only is it insulting to the Lady, but it sends a message to all healthy, curvy women that they aren't good enough. It's an outrage that can only be stopped by showing that the public doesn't need everyone in the spotlight to be size zero. So sign this petition if you love Lady Gaga, yourself or anyone at all!

The Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) of New Mexico is considering an amendment to its child care assistance policy to exempt victims of "forcible rape" from having to file child support claims against the absent parent. Under current policy, anyone who applies and qualifies for child care assistance from the state of New Mexico is required to file a child support claim against any absent parent. The newly proposed amendment exempts a woman from contacting the other parent if her child "was conceived as a result of incest or forcible rape." The CYFD will hold a public hearing on the change on Oct. 1, but it is unclear when the amendment would go into effect if it is approved. However, if the amendment passes a woman whose rape is not ruled "forcible," such as a young victim of statutory rape, would be forced to contact her rapist for child support in order to receive any state assistance. "That's what's so confusing -- when it gets down to a caseworker deciding whether I'm exempt or not," said Adriann Barboa, the field director for the New Mexico branch of Strong Families. "What's the litmus test for whether it was forcible rape? This seems like a covert way of normalizing this language." House Republicans, including Reps. Paul Ryan (Wis.) and Todd Akin (Mo.), supported a bill in 2011 that would have redefined rape as it related to abortion insurance coverage, and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez (R), a former prosecutor, also used the "forcible rape" language in an executive proclamation earlier this year. “When are we going to stop looking for ways to minimize the violence against women?" K.C. Quirk, executive director of Crossroads for Women in Albuquerque, N.M., said in a statement. "Rape by definition is already an act of power and control.” Martinez's office and the CYFD did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Monday on the 700 Club of CBN Pat Robertson advised a male viewer to beat his wife because she was being rebellious. Here is the clip http://www.upworthy.com/pat-robertson-casually-suggests-beating-your-wife-remains-classless-while-doing

This petition is to involve women when it comes to women's health. Sandra Fluke is a women's health advocate. She was told by Illinois congressman Joe Walsh to "get a job" and to stop acting "entitled". Sandra was denied the opportunity to speak at the all male congressional panel meeting about women's health issues. This feels like we are moving backwards as a society and not forward. Since when do we let men and only men decide what is best for women's health regardless of topic? I thought we already fought our war for women's rights. Now its time to fight again and prevail! Help me to bring to an end all male panels about women's health issues.

Judge Jaqueline Hatch blamed a victim of sexual harassment for the fact that an off duty policeman assaulted her. The man was convicted of the crime but the judge refused to give him jail time or have him register as a sex offender. All women are victimized when one of us is treated in this way.

Judge Jaqueline Hatch blamed a victim of sexual harassment for the fact that an off duty policeman assaulted her. The man was convicted of the crime but the judge refused to give him jail time or have him register as a sex offender. All women are victimized when one of us is treated in this way.

Potential rape victims in the military must request a transfer from commanding officer. He or she has 72 hours to approve or deny the request. The problem is that the commanding officer may have been the original perpetrator, or sympathetic to the aggressor. 72 hours allows for retaliation against these victims.

Women currently make $.77 for every $1.00 that a man earns. We need to provide more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex, and for other purposes.