Women Light the Way for Future Generations

Posted by Rachel Kastenberg and Justin Sosne / March 11, 2013

Children study under a solar lamp, undated. [Photograph courtesy of Solar Sister/ Used by Permission]

About the Authors: Rachel Kastenberg serves as a Senior Advisor for the Secretary of State's Global Partnerships Initiative, and Justin Sosne serves as a Senior Advisor in the Secretary of State's Office of Global Women's Issues.

Most of us in the United States don't think twice when we turn on a light to work late into the night or cook dinner without inhaling dangerous smoke. Yet, these everyday tasks are still out of reach for the estimated 1.3 billion people around the world who lack access to electricity, and the estimated 2.7 billion people without access to clean cooking facilities -- 95 percent of whom are in either sub-Saharan Africa or Asia.

During Women's… more »

Posted under: Global Women's Issues

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Aid for a Syrian Baby

Posted by Rebecca Gustafson / March 10, 2013

A Syrian refugee woman walks with her two kids at Zaatari Syrian refugee camp, near the Syrian border in Mafraq, Jordan, Jan. 9, 2013. [AP File Photo]

About the Author: Rebecca Gustafson serves on USAID's Syria Response Management Team.

In January 2013, a mortar shell struck an apartment in Dar'a Governorate. A mother in an adjoining apartment grabbed her 7-month old son Dia'a* and ran to check for survivors.

Just as she discovered her brother was killed in the attack, another mortar shell hit the building -- this time killing one of her other sons. The explosion also ruptured a water heater, blasting scalding water on Dia'a's face and right arm.

Dia'a was rushed to a nearby Syrian government-run medical clinic, where many believe that women and children can safely receive care. After Dia'a received basic aid, a worker at the clinic discreetly warned the mother that they should leave before she and her son were both killed.

The family fled to the Jordanian border and were received by Jordanian border guards, who transported them to Za'atri refugee camp. During the trip, Dia'a… more »

Posted under: Near East and Asia

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First @StateDept Tweetup Spotlights International Women of Courage

Posted by Richard Buangan / March 08, 2013

Participants of the first @StateDept Tweetup pose for a photograph with Secretary of State John Kerry, Terese Heinz Kerry, and special guest First Lady Michelle Obama during the International Women of Courage Awards ceremony at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., March 8, 2013. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

About the Author: Richard Buangan serves as Director of Digital Engagement at the U.S. Department of State.

On March 8, Secretary of State John Kerry honored nine extraordinary women with the Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award, which recognizes women around the world who have shown exceptional leadership in advocating for women's rights and empowerment, often at great personal risk.

Since the 2007, the U.S. Secretary of State has recognized 66 women from 44 countries with this award, and the annual ceremony has become an occasion that encourages all of us who work at the U.S. Department of State. One of the reasons the ceremony inspires us is the powerful stories these women have to tell. We want to share their stories and spotlight their achievements, and the use of social media… more »

Posted under: Behind the Scenes

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Shoulder to Shoulder: Delivering Real Results for Women and Girls

Posted by Donald Steinberg / March 08, 2013

USAID staff host International Women of Courage Awardees in Washington, DC, March 7, 2013. Back row, from left: Fartuun Adan, Somalia; Summer Lopez, USAID; Franklin Moore, USAID; Beth Hogan, USAID; Ambassador Donald Steinberg, USAID; Kathleen Campbell, USAID; Amber Ussery, USAID; Front row, from left: Dr. Josephine Odumakin, Nigeria; Roberta Mahoney, USAID; Julieta Castellanos, Honduras; Sarah Mendelson, USAID; Malalai Bahaduri, Afghanistan; Yelena Milashena, Russia, Key Freeman, USAID. [Photo by Pat Adams, USAID]

About the Author: Ambassador Donald Steinberg serves as Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Working to promote gender equality and women's empowerment around the world can be a challenge. There are difficult days when you wonder if your efforts are having a real impact on the lives of women and girls facing violence, deprivation, discrimination and disempowerment on a daily basis. But when you have the opportunity to meet individuals fighting to create a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities, it makes it all worthwhile.

Yesterday was one of those days.

Yesterday, USAID was proud to host the International Women of Courage awardees. These remarkable… more »

Posted under: Policy

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International Women’s Day

Posted by DipNote Bloggers / March 07, 2013

Indian women hold hands as they take part in a rally to create awareness against the practice of female feticide in Allahabad, India, Dec. 20, 2007. [AP File Photo]

Secretary of State John Kerry will honor the International Women of Courage Award winners at 3:00 p.m. EST March 8, 2013. First Lady Michelle Obama will join Secretary Kerry and the awardees at the ceremony. Watch live on www.state.gov.

Secretary of State John Kerry joins those around the world in recognizing International Women's Day on March 8. In a statement, Secretary Kerry said:

"On March 8, the United States joins people around the globe in honoring women and celebrating their contributions toward building a more peaceful, just, and prosperous world. The State Department, which has been led by strong, smart, and… more »

Posted under: Policy

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