Women And Poverty In The United States: 18 Essential Facts And Statistics

18 Powerful Facts About Women And Poverty

Fact: In 2010 46 million Americans were living in poverty. Fact: Record numbers of Americans living in "extreme poverty" are women.

During the Republican National Convention this week and the Democratic National Convention next week, The Huffington Post is hosting three online Shadow Conventions highlighting issues that seem to fall off both parties' radars too easily. Sections across HuffPost are tackling the Drug War, poverty and the seemingly ever-expanding role that money plays in political campaigns. Today we're focusing on poverty in the United States -- an issue that disproportionately impacts households led by women.

Women are more likely to fall below the poverty line than men are for a variety of reasons, some of which you hear discussed more than others. We could say more, but today, we'll let the facts speak for themselves. Here is the reality of women and poverty in America:

LOOK: 18 Facts About Women And Poverty In The United States

Facts About Women And Poverty In The U.S.

HuffPost Live will be taking a comprehensive look at poverty in America on August 29th and September 5th from 12-4 pm ET and 6-10 pm ET. Click here to check it out -- and join the conversation.

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