The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently issued a press release voicing their support for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This move forms part of their broader commitment to counteract violence against women worldwide through various initiatives and programs.
The DOS has released further information on these programs. According to the DOS media release, the country is committed to advocating both policy and diplomatic resources in an effort to counter violence against women throughout the world.
In line with this commitment, the department is backing its strategy with substantial funding and actions. "To continue making progress toward the global eradication of gender-based violence, the United States is pairing the updated 2022 U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally with concrete, survivor-centered actions, utilizing the $250 million in foreign assistance Congress appropriated in Fiscal Year 2023 for efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence," the DOS said in the news release. "Furthermore, the department recently awarded a new $3 million program to prevent, mitigate, and respond to technology-facilitated gender-based violence in South and Central Asia."
The challenge remains significant as no nation can claim immunity from this issue. According to the media release, violence against women is still prevalent and no country, no matter their status is immune from the ills of gender-based violence. Moreover, DOS committed to working with affiliates to help educate, inform and eradicate violence against women from the world.
State Secretary Antony J. Blinken shared insightful data on marginalized communities' struggles. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said that a 2022 country report concerning human rights showed that many people, who were at risk of losing their lives, were advocating for human rights for those who lived marginalized lives throughout the world.
Further details in the country reports highlight practices harmful to certain community members. "The 2022 country reports also illuminate the compounding impacts of human rights violations and abuses on persons in marginalized communities who also suffer disproportionately from the negative effects of economic inequality, climate change, migration, food insecurity, and other global challenges," said Blinken. "The 2022 country reports specifically include enhanced reporting on so-called conversion therapy practices, which are forced or involuntary efforts to change a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, as well as additional reporting on the performance of unnecessary surgeries on intersex persons."
