Following an introduction by Jean Stapleton, essays by five prominent authors examine women s leadership in politics, higher education, business, trade unions, and the military. The book also contains biographies of all the women in Congress and a comprehensive statistical portrait of American women today."

It looks back at the progress, and setbacks, of women during the past century, as well as looking ahead to the challenges of the future. Former Secretary of Commerce juanita Kreps and her daughter Sarah, open the book with personal perspectives on growing up female in America. Sarah Evans provides a history of the women's movement, including their assimilation into the work force, the rise of feminism, the influence of the Civil Rights movement, and the fight for equal opportunity in the labour force. Shorter essays include Vicki Crawford amd Margarita Benitez discussing the experiences of African American and Hispanic women, and Sonia Jarvis examines the major judicial and legislative decisions that have shaped women's rights. As always, WREI concludes with a comprehensive statistical portrait of American women today.