Gender Equality

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 

The Office of Global Women’s Issues (GWI) at the U.S. State Department was eliminated in July as part of the departmental reorganization led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 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. As a consequence, the perspectives of women and girls will be left out of diplomatic conversations and peace negotiations. The administration’s foreign aid cuts will also have a devastating impact on U.S. support for gender equality and women’s empowerment: key programs focused on women’s health, economic empowerment, and democratic participation have been disrupted or eliminated.