Empowering women and girls to thrive

The U.S. government has been, and commits to continue to be a prime advocate and funder for programs which empower women and girls throughout the world. The United States works to reinforce the inherent dignity of women and girls, by those means which promote and advance their equality, protect their inalienable rights, and support optimal health outcomes across the lifespan, including through youth empowerment programs.

Our programmatic commitment to these issues is displayed in the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief where we address many of the factors that make girls and young women particularly vulnerable to HIV, including gender-based violence, exclusion from economic opportunities, and a lack of access to secondary school.

The United States commits resources to prevent both child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM) and female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C), particularly in regions, countries, and communities where interventions are most needed and most likely to be effective.

The United States recognizes that families, communities, civil society, and faith based organizations play the most important role in supporting women and girls and protecting them from violence and exploitation. In particular, the involvement of men and boys is essential.

The best long-term protection from sexual violence comes from building societies where women and girls are valued and their human rights are respected. To that end, the United States funds international programs that provide skills, opportunities, and empowerment for women, without compromising the dignity and inherent value of every human life – born and unborn.