Support for Britney Spears after controversial documentary 1:40
(CNN) -
US President Joe Biden will sign two decrees this Monday that will establish the White House Council on Gender Policy and address sexual violence in education.
The decrees, to be signed on International Women's Day, aim to ensure gender equality and equity throughout the federal government at a time when women, especially Black and Latina women, are disproportionately affected. for the covid-19 pandemic.
"The full participation of all people, including women and girls, in all aspects of our society is essential for the economic well-being, health and safety of our country and the world," said a senior administration official. in describing the decrees, Sunday night.
The White House Council on Gender Policy will be specifically tasked with combating systemic prejudice and discrimination, including sexual harassment.
The broad scope of the Council includes addressing a number of challenges such as structural barriers to women's participation in the workforce, wage and wealth gaps, and the caregiving needs of American families.
Women's Day: 5 things the coronavirus pandemic made worse for girls and women
The immigration decrees signed by Biden 3:33
Concerns about health care, equal opportunities in leadership and promoting gender equality around the world, through diplomacy, will also fall within the remit of the Council.
advertising
The decrees will require council co-chairs to present to President Biden a government-wide strategy to address gender in policies, programs and budgets, and an annual report to measure progress in implementing the strategy, according to a fact sheet, published by the White House.
To prevent and respond to gender-based violence, there will be special advisers to the president and senior advisers on gender-based violence on the council staff.
The decree will also require the participation of community and nonprofit organizations, state and local government officials, tribal nations, foreign government officials and multilateral organizations, the fact sheet says.
«The White House Gender Policy Council will be an essential part of the Biden-Harris administration's plan to ensure that we build a more equitable and just society, aggressively protecting the rights and unique needs of those who experience multiple forms of discrimination, including people of color and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, ”the official said.
Meanwhile, Biden's other decree aims to promote policies to ensure an education free of sexual violence.
Sexual violence education in the classroom
The decree will direct the US Department of Education to review all of its existing regulations, orders, guidance, and policies to ensure consistency with the Biden administration's policy of ensuring students an education without sexual violence.
The decree also directs the Department of Education to specifically evaluate the Title IX regulation issued under the previous administration, which expanded protections for those accused of sexual harassment and assault on campus.
Taken together, Biden's decrees underscore the urgency his administration has sought to bring to gender equality since he took office in January.
"The pandemic has exacerbated barriers that have historically impacted women and girls, especially women and girls of color, forcing many to leave the workforce, manage their children's virtual schooling, and absorb additional caregiving responsibilities," she said Sunday. the official, adding that the council will work across government agencies to make sure their policies create equity for women of color in particular.
“As the country continues to grapple with the pandemic and grapple with the scourge of systemic racism and discrimination, President Biden knows that we need a whole-of-government approach to improving the rights of women and girls in the United States and across the world, restore America as a leader in gender equity and equality.
Women's Day