Washington, Jan. 30 : Michelle Obama made her first public appearance since Inauguration Day, when she sat in the front row as President Barack Obama signed legislation on the issue of equal pay.

According to Politico, she nodded her head and at one point tapped her heart.

The bill, known as the Lilly Ledbetter Act for the person who brought the case, reverses a Supreme Court ruling that sharply limited the frame employees had to file pay-discrimination lawsuits.

Activists called her presence at the signing a statement.

"She is the embodiment of women who go out every day and work hard," said Nan Aron, president of Alliance for Justice. "We are hoping that she uses some of her platform to advance the plight of working women."

Michelle Obama later introduced Ledbetter at a reception, and called her one of her favorite people in the world. Obama said during the two year run for the White House, she met people of all stations concerned with equal pay issues.

Obama said she met Ms. Ledbetter during the presidential campaign and praised her "commitment, her dedication, her focus.''''''''

"She knew unfairness when she saw it and was willing to do something about it because it was the right thing to do, plain and simple,'''''''' Obama said.

Ledbetter praised the Obamas and said " I just believe in them and their work so very much.'''''''' (ANI)