"The deep recession that began in December 2007 cost workers nearly 7.5 million jobs before it officially ended in June 2009. Overall job growth during the recovery has been weak; the economy added just over 1.9 million jobs between June 2009 and January 2012. Although unemployment remains high and job growth unacceptably slow for both men and women, it is striking that women did not make any net gains until two and a half years ..." (Quoted from paper)