U.S. Department of State - Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues

President Biden's proclamation for National Family Caregivers Month 2024 underscores the critical role of caregivers in our society. The U.S. Strategy on Global Women's Economic Security is committed to supporting caregivers and empowering women globally through our foreign policy initiatives. By promoting gender equality and providing resources for caregivers, we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable world. https://lnkd.in/geYMn3ZS

The U.S. WPS Actis an essential piece of legislation which strengthens our policy commitments and initiatives in all areas of peace and security. Only together as a global community can we continue advancing gender equity and equality through WPS. However, in the current environment women, girls, and marginalized groups continue to experience barriers to inclusion and meaningful participation across the world. That is why WPS is more critical than ever. https://lnkd.in/etsNAtF6

This year marks the 24th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, a groundbreaking resolution that recognizes the critical role of women in peace and security efforts. The WPS Act reinforces this commitment by promoting women's meaningful participation in conflict prevention, management, and resolution. Join us in celebrating the progress made and reaffirming our dedication to advancing gender equality in peace and security worldwide. Together, we can build a more inclusive and peaceful future.

On the 24th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, U.S. Department of State is proud to highlight our partnerships with Kosovo, Colombia, and the Philippines on their Women, Peace and Security Centers of Excellence. These Centers are crucial spaces for accelerating WPS through advancing partnerships and enhancing government leadership capacity on WPS policy development and implementation. Learn more about the U.S. engagement with WPS Centers here: https://lnkd.in/e9dC4qvQ

This week, Principal Deputy Katrina Fotovat signed a U.S.-Philippines MOU to establish a regional Women, Peace, and Security Center of Excellence. This center will enhance WPS efforts, policy responsiveness, and coordination with civil society to implement the Philippines WPS National Action Plan and the U.S. Strategy. This also marks the third WPS Center to launch in 2025, following Colombia and Kosovo.

Our office is announcing the BELUU program, allowing grantees to advance Women’s Economic Empowerment and Blue and Green economies in the Pacific. Co-funded by the U.S. Department of State and Taiwan and implemented by Grameen Foundation. #WomenEmpowerment #BlueEconomy https://lnkd.in/ep5M6G75?

As we observe the recent International Day of Care and Support, let us recognize the vital role of care workers and the foundational importance of care infrastructure in the global economy. Together, we can create a more equitable and prosperous world by supporting those who care for us all. Read our latest blog reaffirming the United States commitment to promoting care infrastructure and supporting care workers globally.

On the second annual International Day of Care and Support, the United States recognizes the foundational role of care infrastructure in the global economy and honors the vital role that care workers play in our global society. Unpaid care work amounts to $11 trillion, or nearly nine percent, of global GDP. Women perform more than three times the total hours of unpaid care work compared to men, fueling discriminatory expectations. We are proud to collaborate with governments, the private sector, workers, labor unions, and civil society to advance the care economy and support women’s economic participation. https://lnkd.in/e_EpvKW3

Promoting Gender Equality and Peace Worldwide Our team, led by PD Katrina Fotovat, actively participated in WPS Week, engaging global leaders from around the world and addressing critical issues focused on important avenues forward on advancing WPS and gender equality. Key events highlighted the importance of applying the Women, Peace, and Security framework to intersectional challenges for enhanced security and collaboration. Let's continue advancing gender equality and peace!

During WPS Week, our team in partnership with Search for Common Ground, coordinated an event focused on the importance of effective engagement of women in mediation processes. PD Katrina Fotovat provided opening remarks, and Ambassador Melanne Verveer facilitated a discussion with experts from Afghanistan, Syria, Mozambique, Colombia, and Ukraine.