Whereas:

Inequality persists in pay structure between men and women, with women in the United States making 77 cents for every dollar men received as recently as 2002 (data by the AFL/CIO); AND

On average, women account for less than 15% of elected representatives in national governments worldwide (in the United States, women hold 13% of the seats in the House of Representatives and 14% of the seats in the Senate); AND

Traditionally "female" professions, such as elementary education and nursing, are undervalued and underpaid, and there is a widespread lack of appreciation for the role of women in the home; AND

The real value of women's work in the home and as volunteers is not adequately valued or accounted for in discussions of economic vitality and prosperity; AND

Women's opportunities are diminished by a lack of affordable childcare, despite the fact that many women are the sole breadwinners in their homes; AND

We perceive a general lack of interest in women's issues, a lack of appreciation for women's contributions, lower expectations of women, and restricted opportunities for women--all of this leading to the disempowerment of women in society.

And whereas:

The scriptures affirm that "male and female...are alike unto God" (2 Nephi 26:23; cf. 1 Corinthians 11:11) and that men and women are equally accountable before Him (D&C 18:42); AND

The First Presidency has affirmed that "women, as daughters of God, should have without discrimination every political, economic, and educational opportunity" (Ensign [Mar. 1980], 19); AND

Humanitarian service organized by the Relief Society throughout its history, and the commitment to women's education and suffrage demonstrated by Relief Society leaders such as Eliza R. Snow and Emmeline B. Wells, embody a belief in the importance of women's contributions and opportunities, in society as well as in the Church; AND

Church leaders have encouraged women "to develop all of [their] gifts and talents to move forward the work of righteousness in the earth" (Ensign [May 1998], 95) and have promised that "there is no limit to what [men and women] can accomplish if you will work together, equally yoked" (Ensign [Nov. 2001], 12).

Now therefore let it be resolved that MESJ:

1.	Believes that men and women should have equal rights.
2.	Seeks to break down barriers that create inequality between men and women.
3.	Will work with organizations and projects that take steps to increase women's equality and empowerment in the workplace and in government.
4.	Affirms the importance of equipping women to use their gifts for the good of society, in the home and in the community.
5.	Supports efforts to provide education for women.
6.	Encourages women everywhere to value their talents, pursue their interests and support each other as they make positive contributions to their families and communities.

Note:

As MESJ does not take stands or promote actions that are contrary to the doctrines or policies of the LDS Church, MESJ has no position on the role of women in the priesthood.

Adopted 7 March 2004