Secretary of State John Kerry Announces Launch of U.S. Global Strategy to Empower Adolescent Girls
On Tuesday, March 16th 2016 Secretary of State John Kerry announced the launch of the U.S. Global Strategy to Empower Adolescent Girls (Strategy) at the Department of State, demonstrating the Administration’s commitment to place gender equality and the advancement of women and girls at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy.
The Strategy aims to ensure that adolescent girls across the globe are educated, healthy, economically- and socially-empowered, and free from violence and discrimination. It underscores the belief that when women are allowed to reach their full potential, their meaningful contributions to the world will lead to global development, security, and prosperity. The strategy calls for a concerted, whole-of-government effort which will aim to promote girls’ rights and address the social norms that devalue girls, discourage their education, and perpetuate practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation or cutting.
In summary, the Strategy will advance five key objectives:
- Enhancing girls’ access to quality education in safe environments;
- Providing economic opportunities and incentives for girls and their families;
- Empowering girls with information, skills, services, and support;
- Mobilizing and educating communities to change harmful norms and practices;
- Strengthening policy and legal frameworks and accountability.
As an active member of the Girls Not Brides Coalition, FUTURES will be regularly engaged in the process of collaborating and informing the US Government on the Strategy and monitor its implementation.
