GFWC Priority Issues

GFWC is working through its grassroots network of advocates to support legislation that is crucial to the mission of the Federation. The following issues are current topics that GFWC advocates are focusing on.

Protecting Women's Lives

Violence in the home and community devastates the lives of millions of women each year. In the United States, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is crucial legislation that combats domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other form of gender-based violence. This legislation needs full funding each year in Congress. Also, the soon-to-be-introduced International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) will need your support!

Women's Heart Health

Heart disease is the number killer of women in this country, claiming over 349,000 American women each year. Raising awareness and improving treatment and screening can save many lives. The HEART for Women Act (S.573, H.R.1014), is legislation that would improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease and stroke.

Breast Cancer: Research and Funding

Breast cancer currently affects 3 million women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, a 2006 study shows that a woman in the United States has a 1 in 8 chance of developing invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. 

Global Poverty

Over 1 billion people worldwide struggle to live on less than $1 per day and 1.6 billion live on less than two dollars per day. The Global Poverty Act of 2007 (H.R. 1302) aims to require the President to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to further the United States foreign policy objective of promoting the reduction of global poverty, the elimination of extreme global poverty, and the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

Protecting the Elderly

According to the Census Bureau, there are approximately 35 million Americans over the age of 65. Approximately two-to-five million are abused every year. Currently, there are no federal laws specifically protecting the elderly from abuse. The Elder Justice Act (S.1070, HR. 1783) provides a comprehensive strategy to raise public awareness, institute criminal penalties and create programs to assist victims and train law enforcement.