Nancy Pelosi becomes the first woman Speaker of the House.
Kolstad v. American Dental Association Supreme Court rules that women can sue for punitive damages for sex discrimination.
Condoleeza Rice becomes the first African-American, female Secretary of State.
Sarah Palin, first Republican female candidate for Vice-President.
Hillary Rodham Clinton is the first woman to become a leading candidate for a presidential nomination.
Allows victims of pay discrimination to file a complaint with the government within 180 days of last payment.
Michelle Obama becomes the first African-American first lady of the United States.
In the 111th Congress, a record 17 women serve in the Senate and 73 women serve in the House of Representatives, for 90 total seats or 17% of the 535 seats in Congress.
In 2009, Clinton is sworn in as secretary of state, becoming the first former first lady to serve in a president’s Cabinet.