CARE Congratulates House on Passing Foreign Relations Reauthorization Act

When President Obama announced the creation of an ambassador-at-large position for global women's issues at the Department of State in March, the White House said the action "reflects the elevated importance of global women's issues to the president and his entire administration." This passage of HR 2410 by the House of Representatives to establish the office and commit to using U.S. leverage in reducing the harmful practice of child marriage reflects a similar prioritization.

The provisions against child marriage and the creation of the Office for Global Women's Issues will go a long way in expanding opportunities for women and girls around the world. The bill would require the U.S. government to develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent child marriage worldwide, report annually on countries with a high prevalence of this harmful traditional practice and integrate gender and women's empowerment approaches across U.S. foreign policy.

The bill also includes important provisions calling for the president to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to address global hunger and food security, issues that often disproportionately affect women and girls.