Obama gave a college commencement address to a group of women at Barnard College in New York City encouraging them to use their progress, both socially and economically, to lead the way for change.
In his speech which he made, while pointing out observations about the progress that women have made, he said, “More and more women are out-earning their husbands. You are more than half of our college graduates and Masters’ graduates and Ph.Ds. So you have got us out-numbered. After decades of slow, steady, extraordinary progress you are now poised to make this the century where women shape not only their own destiny but the destiny of this nation and of this world.”
However, the President also spoke about the current political and economical climate being tougher for the youth of today while also pointing out that women still faced challenges such as obtaining pay equality with men, balancing their lives in terms of both work and family as well as being in complete control of the decisions regarding their health.
As for the upcoming reelection in November 2012, Obama also said that he aims to strengthen the support among younger voters as well as women.
The President received his undergraduate degree at Columbia University in 1983, and of which Barnard College is a part now, which did not admit women until that year.
During his visit to New York City to give this commencement address, he also made an appearance at a popular television program as well as participated in a couple of fundraising events.