Empowering Women is a Key Priority of US Foreign Policy

Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in BiH, Nicholas Hill, published a new commentary on the blog on the occasion of International Women's Day, which is fully reported by the Patria News Agency.

Today is International Women's Day, a day when we recognize the dedicated individuals leading efforts to establish gender equality around the world. It is also a day that reminds us that all of us, women and men, have a responsibility to eliminate the inequality that women still face here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in my country, the United States.

Empowering women and girls is a key priority of United States foreign policy. For us, the facts are clear and simple. Numerous studies have shown that small and medium-sized enterprises led by women accelerate a country's economic growth. However, women simultaneously face enormous challenges when starting their own businesses and accessing financial resources to develop their companies. Statistics show that when more women are in leadership positions, governments become more accountable, compromise is more easily achieved, and the level of corruption decreases. Yet, only 20 percent of parliamentarians are women, and only 10 percent of heads of state are women. We also know that far too many women and girls continue to be victims of domestic violence. At the same time, far too many abusers go unpunished with only a slap on the wrist.

 

Therefore, the United States believes that gender equality is crucial for our common goals – prosperity, stability, and peace – and that supporting equal rights for women is one of our key policies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today, more and more women leaders are jointly seeking equality in BiH society, and we proudly support them in their struggle. The Club of Women Parliamentarians in the Federation of BiH is proof that politicians from all parties can unite in the interest of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or political affiliation. Young women leaders are acquiring key leadership characteristics and demanding a greater role within their parties, thus bringing new ideas and approaches to the world of politics. Women entrepreneurs clearly demonstrate the importance of women's contribution in the economic sphere and introduce innovative ideas to the market and, most importantly, create new jobs. Women judges are fighting corruption, punishing crime, and striving to eliminate inequality in the workplace. Women police officers work with NGOs to identify and assist victims of domestic violence, which benefits not only women but also their families and the entire society.

We sincerely believe that when women succeed, everyone in society benefits, including men and boys. We know that gender equality is a long-term goal that will require commitment and energy from all of us. But we cannot afford to give up – realizing the unlimited potential of women is not only the right policy, it is also smart policy.