WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, members of the Bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues met with Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) and Executive Director of UN Women. The discussion focused on UN Women’s efforts to end violence against women, respond to humanitarian and refugee crises, and invest in economic empowerment and gender equality programs.

Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL) and Susan Brooks (R-IN), co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, provided the following statements:

“The heinous atrocities that women and girls face around the world is shocking. Young girls forced into marriage, refugee women sold into sexual slavery, women raped by UN Peacekeepers. To bring an end to these and other cruel abuses, the United States must continue to financially support UN Women and advocate for its advancement in the United Nations organizational structure.” said Frankel. “It is my intention that our bipartisan caucus brings more attention to these issues. When women advance, their countries become more peaceful and prosperous.”

“Every woman and girl in the world deserves the same dignity, respect and sense of security as any man or boy. It is heartbreaking to continue hearing stories about violence against women. This issue is not going away and while the problem is clearly defined, solutions are not. I am encouraged by the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka’s, work to protect women and girls,” said Brooks. “Thoughtful dialogue and proposed laws are both steps in the right direction. Even still, there is a great need for intense intervention supported by the United States and other countries across the globe. We must find common ground and work toward solutions that can be implemented and enforced to protect the security and safety of all women.”  

UN Women is the UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Their issue areas include ending violence against women, peace and security, humanitarian action, HIV and AIDs, economic empowerment, leadership and political participation, youth, sustainable development, and governance and national planning.

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