Annual Full-Day Discussion on the Human Rights of Women
Panel 2: Social Protection: Women’s Participation and Leadership
Statement by Ambassador Michèle Taylor
53rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
The full participation of all persons, including women and girls in all their diversity, contributes to the economic well-being, health, and security of the United States and the world. Gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment are not achievable without prioritizing gender-based violence prevention and response.
This includes addressing the prevalence of child, early, and forced marriage, which disproportionately affects adolescent girls and young women. Child marriage undermines girls’ emotional well-being, bodily autonomy, and access to education. It makes girls more vulnerable to abuse and increases the risk of pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality.
Adolescents hold enormous promise for the future of their communities. The support we give all adolescents now will determine their future opportunities to contribute to and lead their communities and reach their full potential.
We are proud that the United States remains the largest bilateral donor to global family planning assistance, a commitment spanning more than five decades. We are committed to investing in high-quality, client-centered sexual and reproductive health services that improve women’s well-being, promote gender equality, and ensure women’s control over their bodies and futures.
The United States continues to partner with governments, the private sector, and international and nongovernmental organizations to improve health outcomes, including advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights. We are working to empower women and girls so that they can realize their full potential and help drive social and economic development.
I thank you.
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