The world has already developed a consensus on women’s importance to development. For decades, the global community has responded to the notable efforts of the global women’s movement and has moved away from demographic centered population and development policies toward putting human rights and women’s equality at the center.  At the 1994 Cairo International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the United States joined a clear consensus that stated that “[t]he empowerment and autonomy of women and the improvement of their political, social, economic and health status is a highly important end in itself. In addition it is essential for the achievement of sustainable development.”

CHANGE believes women and girls should be central to U.S. sexual and reproductive health policy, not because they are more deserving or more vulnerable than men--rather, we believe that women must be equal partners in each society’s governance and development, both because it is their right and because global development cannot take place without their energy and ideas. Additionally, because of their multiple roles as family caregivers, community activists, and civil society leaders, women have critical insight on human needs that cannot be excluded from development planning.

Men and boys are key partners in this effort. Their needs and wellbeing are also undermined by gender stereotypes, and they have a great deal at stake in ending gender-based violence, lowering maternal mortality, and ensuring healthy lives for women and girls.

See CHANGE's Policy Brief A Woman-Centered Approach to the U.S. Global Health Initiative

• International Center for Research on Women (ICRW)
• International Women’s Health Coalition (IWHC)
• National Women’s Law Center
• Prevention Now!
• United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)