Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment

USAID works to improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the distinct and intersectional needs of women and girls, men and boys, in all their diversity, in our development and humanitarian work, as well as the norms and systems that hinder optimal outcomes. Identifying and addressing restrictive gender norms and inequalities helps to foster the sustainability of results.

In March 2021, President Biden signed an Executive Order, establishing the White House Gender Policy Council and recognizing that the “full participation of all people — including women and girls — across all aspects of our society is essential to the economic well-being, health, and security of our Nation and of the world.”

USAID is committed to supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s agenda in uplifting the rights of women and girls around the world. We bring our global leadership, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships to achieve the overarching goal of ensuring equitable access, opportunity, and benefits for all.

USAID has a long-standing commitment to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV), promote women’s economic empowerment, promote gender equity in climate change mitigation, empower adolescent girls, engage men and boys and address gender norms, and support underserved and marginalized populations. For societies to thrive, all people must have equal rights, exercise their own voice, and live free from intimidation, harassment, discrimination and violence.

Our Global Network

Gender equality and women's empowerment has long been a part of USAID's work. We focus on programming worldwide and work to shape and institutionalize policies that empower women and girls.

USAID has a global network of more than 180 gender advisors and point of contacts, and embedded in Missions and Operating Units throughout the Agency, who work together with other USAID colleagues to integrate gender and advance gender equality objectives in USAID’s work worldwide.

For More Information

For more information, please contact: gendevcomms@usaid.gov

Access additional USAID resources on gender equality and women’s empowerment by visiting this web page.