State Department highlights girls’ voices in foreign policy

Global Women’s Issues Acting Ambassador Kat Fotovat, the newly appointed State Department Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues, Abby Finkenauer, and six girls from the DRC, Ecuador, Guyana, Uganda and the United States will join in conversation to discuss the intersection of U.S. foreign policy and global girls’ issues.

Washington, D.C. | March 20, 2023 On March 23, press is invited to attend “Foreign Policy Classroom: Global Girls Speak.” The event will be hosted by the U.S. Department of State, ChildFund, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), Plan International USA, Futures Without Violence and UNICEF USA.

The U.S. government has made a number of new and exciting commitments to youth and gender in foreign policy, including through the appointment of a new Special Envoy for Youth Issues at the State Department. This event will provide the opportunity and platform for girls from lower- and middle-income countries most affected by U.S. foreign policy, as well as girls in the U.S., to speak directly with U.S. government leaders who are committed to their empowerment, leadership and to addressing their most pressing concerns.

“What we know is that girls are facing very tough barriers to having their voices heard,” said Erin Kennedy, VP of External Engagement and Partnerships at ChildFund. “And this fact has devastating consequences: less agency means a greater risk of child marriage, gender-based violence, and less chance at a quality education and finding a good job. We have to do more to support girls and young women to speak up about the barriers they want to break down so that they can reach their potential in life.”

Gabrielle McKenzie, a young paraplegic woman from Guyana, will be participating on the panel. Gabrielle is a student, business owner and disability rights activist who facilitates trainings and leads peer activities as part of IFES’ USAID-funded Youth ALLIES program in Guyana. Through the Youth ALLIES program, IFES works with a diverse group of young people to promote civic engagement, foster positive change at the local level and increase their knowledge of democratic processes.

“The future of democracy rests on our collective support of the next generation of girls and young women leaders,” said IFES President and CEO Tony Banbury. “Girls and young women most impacted by today’s crises will be even more impacted by the next. By providing them a platform to voice their concerns and practice diplomacy, not only will governments be more equipped to build more resilient democracies, but girls and young women will cultivate their own skills to solve democracies’ coming challenges.”

Futures Without Violence in collaboration with Soccer Without Borders Uganda will bring a young refugee from the DRC, who will speak to the importance of programs for out-of-school refugee youth, social inclusion, getting girls in the game and nurturing girls as leaders in their communities. “Deliberate and thoughtful engagement with youth, programming that promotes healthy relationships and inclusion, and creating opportunities for girls to strengthen their capacities and develop leadership skills are all key components of nurturing communities without violence,” said Leila Milani, Director of Global Policy and Advocacy at Futures Without Violence.

UNICEF USA’s George Washington University Club President, Anna Borasky, will co-moderate the event.

“Whether she lives in the United States, sub-Saharan Africa or Latin America, an adolescent girl has the power to transform her community for the better,” said Renee Cutting, Chief Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA. “We work tirelessly to cultivate and connect a network of passionate champions across the U.S. — including outstanding youth advocates — who understand the urgency of the moment and the significant difference they can make. Together, we relentlessly pursue a world where every child and young person is healthy, educated, protected and respected.”

Plan International USA’s Youth Advisory Board member, Rohini, will co-moderate the event.

“Growing up in the U.S. and through Plan, I have had more opportunities than most girls around the world to have my voice be heard,” said Rohini. “Even so, girls’ voices are missing from critical conversations and decisions that are being made about our lives. When girls are listened to, solutions and policies can be made to address the real issues we face, not what others perceive those issues to be.”

The panel will allow youth an opportunity to provide critical insight on the impact of U.S. foreign assistance and policies and the issues that affect them.

When: Thursday, March 23 from 9-10 a.m. EST

Where: This is a hybrid event. For those in Washington, D.C., this event will be hosted in the Burns Auditorium at the U.S. Department of State or online at https://interactive.state.gov/girls-empowerment-classroom/

For more information on the event please contact Cheri Dahl, cdahl@childfund.org.

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About ChildFund

Founded in 1938, ChildFund works throughout Asia, Africa and the Americas — including the United States — to connect children with what they need to grow up healthy, educated, skilled and, above all, safe: safe at home, safe at school, safe in community, safe online. Last year, we reached 21.1 million children and family members in 24 countries. About 200,000 Americans support our work by sponsoring individual children or investing in ChildFund programs. Find out more at www.ChildFund.org

About Futures Without Violence

For more than 35 years, Futures Without Violence has been providing groundbreaking programs, policies and campaigns that empower individuals and organizations working to end violence against women and children around the world. Striving to reach new audiences and transform social norms, FUTURES trains professionals such as doctors, nurses, judges and athletic coaches on improving responses to violence and abuse. For more information, go to www.futureswithoutviolence.org

About Soccer Without Borders

For over a decade, Soccer Without Borders has used soccer as a vehicle for positive change, providing underserved youth with a toolkit to overcome obstacles to growth, inclusion, and personal success. https://www.soccerwithoutborders.org/

About IFES

IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for everyone. As a global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develops trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. https://www.ifes.org/