PHOTO BY SUZANNE STEELE
“The month of March not only marks the beginning of spring, but it also serves to celebrate the achievements, legacies, and contributions of women around the world. ”
PHOTO BY BONUSLY
It’s important to take a step back and recognize all of the progress women have fought tooth and nail for, such as voting rights, equal pay, bodily autonomy, and greater economic opportunities. But we must also acknowledge all the work still left to be done to address lingering systemic obstacles that undermine women’s potential and perpetuate gender disparities in society.
On March 8, 2021 (International Women’s Day), President Joe Biden marked the event by signing two new executive orders meant to advance “gender equality and equity” across all sectors of government.
The first order establishes a Gender Policy Council headed by Jennifer Klien, former chief strategist of the anti-sexual-harassment organization Time’s Up, and Julissa Reynoso, chief of staff to first lady Jill Biden. According to an interview with Klein, the council is expected to report directly to President Biden and collaborate with every cabinet secretary to ensure that “the policy areas traditionally viewed as women’s issues — the pay gap, sexual harassment, reproductive health and child care — won’t be separated from the administration’s broader priorities like climate change or infrastructure.” Another goal of the council is to analyze existing policies and programs through the lens of gender equity, such as “the impact of budget decisions on women and LGBTQ+ people''. The council is also expected to submit annual progress reports to assess areas of change and stagnation and keep track of important milestones and achievements made by the administration.
PHOTO BY MANUEL BALCE CENETA
The second order signed by President Biden on International Women’s Day directs the Department of Education to conduct a thorough universal and systematic review of all current policies and regulations to ensure that America’s K-12 institutions and universities are free from discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual violence, sexual orientation and gender identity.
It’s refreshing to see Biden’s commitment to ensuring dignity, equity, wellbeing and security for all women. Hopefully we will see meaningful and substantive change through these executive orders over the next few years!
article by Madeline Lorie ‘23
design by Carolyn Lu ‘24