While we have made tremendous progress in advancing equal rights and opportunity around the world, systemic biases still prevent women and girls from achieving their highest aspirations. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is “Break the Bias,” which reminds us that our work remains unfinished.
In October, the Biden-Harris Administration released the National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality. It represents a historic commitment to use the power of the federal government to close the gender gap and defend the rights of women and girls worldwide.
At USTR, racial and gender equity are core elements of the President’s 2022 Trade Policy Agenda and our recently released Strategic Plan. We must listen to, learn from, and partner with female workers and entrepreneurs to dismantle barriers that prevent women from enjoying the benefits of trade.
Some of the most inspiring conversations I have had as United States Trade Representative have been with these individuals: to learn more about their work, the challenges they face, and how this office can help them. Whether it is the worker in Mexico City, the textiles owner in North Carolina, or the union leader in Tokyo, all women can benefit from inclusive trade policies – and they should have a role in shaping our agenda. I am proud of the partnerships we have created and look forward to continuing this work as we break down existing biases and move closer to true global equality.
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