Women and girls bear the brunt of negative consequences from poverty, conflict, and climate change, but their voices and views are often excluded from leadership and decision-making structures. Studies have shown that the full inclusion of women at all levels of society grows economies, prevents conflict, and builds sustainable peace, all of which benefit the national security of the United States.
Call on Congress to support legislative initiatives that support the health, rights, and political and economic empowerment of women and girls, promote their access to education at all levels, address gender-based violence, and promote women in peacebuilding efforts.
The Latest
In January 2026, the Trump administration expanded the Mexico City Policy, also known as the “Global Gag Rule.” Previously, the policy prohibited foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that received U.S. global family planning funding (and as of 2017, global health funding generally) from performing or providing education about abortion using funds from any source (including non-U.S. funds). The 2026 update significantly expands the groups, types of funding, and activities effected. Now, most recipients (including U.S. NGOs, multilateral organizations, and other governments) of U.S. non-military foreign assistance, will be prohibited from providing abortions, gender affirming care, and other diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) related services. Humanitarian aid organizations and foreign governments will now be forced to choose between receiving urgent, lifesaving aid and providing comprehensive healthcare to women and other vulnerable populations.
Already, the administration’s foreign aid cuts had a devastating impact on global gender equality, disrupting or eliminating key programs focused on women’s health, economic empowerment, and democratic participation. In international fora, the administration has also sought to address “controversial social policies” related to gender equality, including at the 70th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) where the United States presented more than 90 amendments to a document outlining the commission’s priorities. For the first time in CSW history, the commission was forced to vote on the document—and member states overwhelmingly voted down U.S. proposals.
In addition, the Office of Global Women’s Issues (GWI) at the U.S. State Department was eliminated in July 2025. Previously, GWI was the primary office focused on protecting and supporting the rights of women and girls worldwide and leading efforts to implement the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Act of 2017—legislation supported by Secretary Rubio during his time in the Senate and signed into law by President Trump in his first term.
WPS programming has since been integrated into regional bureaus and embassies where, more than likely, the lack of dedicated staff and expertise will lead to de-prioritization and disjointed implementation. Already, the administration failed to deliver to Congress the legally required WPS Act report on implementation due in October 2025. As a consequence, the perspectives of women and girls will be left out of diplomatic conversations and peace negotiations.
