While conditions are generally improving for women in the United States, there is still much work to be done according to a report released by the Institute for Women's Policy Research.

As it relates to wages, "The Status of Women in the States," shows that the gender wage gap has narrowed in all states, but it is moving at a very slow pace and no state has completely eliminated it. It is estimated it could take as long as 50 years before women's paychecks completely catch up with men's. West Virginia was cited as the state to make the most improvement in women’s wage equality.

Poverty rates among women have actually declined a bit nationally in recent years, down to 12.1 percent from 13.7 two years ago. The rate declined in all but 11 states, however, there remains a large discrepancy among the races. The poverty rate for Native American, African American and Hispanic females hovers at 20 percent, while the rate for White (9) and Asian (12) is significantly lower.

On the political front, there was good news.

Women are making real headway as the number of female Governors grew from one to nine between 1996 and 2004. Advancements were also made in the U.S. Senate (14, up from 9) and the U.S. House of Representatives (increased from 49 to 60). The report also said that women are more likely to vote than men in 43 states.

Taking into account several key issues, including women's poverty rates, health insurance coverage, college graduation statistics and the rate of women owning businesses, the study found women do the best economically in Maryland and the worst in Mississippi. It was the fourth straight time Mississippi has ranked last, dating back to 1998.