International Women's Month

Today I read Dina Habib Powell's commentary today on CNN.com about the changes that are being made in the US and around the world to educate and empower girls, and to promote female health. For example, the Obama administration has created the White House Council on Women and Girls, probably  similar to the Office for Women's Initiatives and Outreach that was established during Bill Clinton's time in office.  

Powell cited the recent creation of an "ambassador-at-large for women's issues" at the State Department, which will be filled by Malanne Verveer who worked as an assistant to (former first lady) Hillary Clinton and is chair and co-CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership. A position that reflects the high priority of women in the administration; though some women's advocates do not think it goes far enough and that it should be a cabinet level position. 

Overall, this is something that women's health and human rights advocates are excited about. I hope that it allows our government policies to take an evidence-based approach towards women's reproductive health and to better consider the gender inequalities that women face around the world.