US WOMEN'S LAW

Federal Law Reference for Women's Rights

All information sourced from publicly available federal government websites.

This is not legal advice.

CATEGORIES

Employment & Workplace Discrimination

Federal law prohibits discrimination in hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, and other conditions of employment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, and other protected characteristics. The primary federal enforcement agency is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Federal law addresses wage discrimination between employees performing substantially equal or comparable work. The primary statutes are enforced jointly by the EEOC and the Department of Labor Women's Bureau.

Workplace Leave &
Family Policy

Federal law establishes minimum standards for job-protected leave related to family and medical needs. The Department of Labor administers the primary federal leave statute.

Federal law prohibits discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. The Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is the primary enforcement agency.

Reproductive Rights & Health

Federal law establishes certain protections and access frameworks related to reproductive health. The following reflects the law as currently in effect at the federal level. State laws vary significantly.

Federal law establishes protections against sex-based discrimination in healthcare, and sets minimum coverage and access standards. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are the primary agencies.

Violence Against Women

Federal law establishes criminal and civil frameworks to address domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking. The Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) administers the primary federal grant programs.

Federal law prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of sex and other protected characteristics. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enforces the primary federal housing statute.

Credit & Economic Access

Federal law prohibits discrimination in credit transactions and establishes consumer financial protections. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Federal Reserve are primary enforcement agencies.

Political & Civil Rights

Federal law protects women's rights to vote, hold office, serve on juries, and participate fully in civic and political life. The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division is the primary enforcement agency for voting rights.

Immigration & Trafficking

Federal law provides specific protections for immigrant women and survivors of trafficking and other crimes. The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice administer the primary programs.

Military & Federal Employment

Federal law governs employment protections, anti-discrimination standards, and leave entitlements for women in the U.S. military and federal civilian workforce. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the EEOC administer key programs.

Retirement & Economic Security

Federal law governs retirement savings, pension protections, and Social Security benefits. The Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration and the Social Security Administration are the primary agencies.

All policy information in this library is drawn exclusively from publicly available federal government websites, including agency homepages, official regulatory guidance, and statutory overviews. Said Differently does not provide legal advice. The law as stated reflects federal statute and may not reflect current state law, regulatory changes, or court decisions issued after the date of publication. For questions about your specific situation, contact the relevant federal agency or consult a licensed attorney.