2012 has been a tough year for women in America, from the attacks on abortion rights to Planned Parenthood and other women’s health organizations fighting for funding. But MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry reports that 154 women have been nominated to run for Congress, where women represent 17 percent of membership, and she delves into this gender shift with a Virginia City Councilwoman Ella Ward, who is running for a congressional seat.Watch Melissa Harris-Perry and her guest discuss women in office and the challenges they face on the road to success:
Suggested Reading
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Watch more at MSNBC.
Like The Root on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.