President Obama: Women helped by his policies, but more to accomplish

WASHINGTON (KGO) -- Women from around the nation gathered Tuesday for the inaugural White House United State of Women Summit.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama both addressed the crowd, highlighting advances women have made during his administration.

The president added that more must be done, especially when it comes to closing the gender pay gap in the workplace.

Obama has been unable to persuade Congress to pass equal pay legislation, among other measures. He said more family friendly policies, including paid family and sick leave, and affordable child care, would also be helpful.

Kerry Washington star of ABC's hit show Scandal attended and drew attention to financial abuse suffered by so many women nationwide. "We have to support economic empowerment and freedom for women because if women have the tools to leave they can leave and get the kind of emotional and psychological healing," she said.

At least 5,000 women from across the nation participated in the summit.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.