WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that he will ask Congress for $2.6 billion for foreign aid programmes that promote gender equality worldwide, more than double the size of last year’s request.

Biden announced his intentions on International Women’s Day, which is set aside to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world.

Biden created the first-ever White House Gender Policy Council on International Women’s Day last year to help promote gender equity throughout the administration.

He said everyone deserves to live up to their God-given potential, regardless of gender, and that societies perform better when women and girls are allowed to prosper.

“Ensuring that every woman and girl has that chance isn’t just the right thing to do it’s also a strategic imperative that advances the prosperity, stability, and security of our nation and the world,” the president said in a written statement.

The White House was hosting an International Women’s Day event on Tuesday to discuss the announcement, featuring Secretary of State Antony Blinken, acting budget director Shalanda Young, US Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power and Jen Klein, director of the Gender Policy Council.

Jill Biden marked International Women’s Day with a video tribute to women throughout the world who courageously use their voice, no matter the cost.

“To our sisters from Ukraine who are fighting to keep their country free and their families alive: We stand with you in solidarity,” the first lady said.

“To our sisters in Russia who are protesting and speaking out against the invasion at great personal risk: We see your courage,” she added.

Biden’s $2.6bn funding request will be included in his federal budget proposal for fiscal year 2023, which starts on Oct 1.

Biden sought $1.2bn for gender equality programmes in his 2022 budget proposal. The numbers haven’t been finalised since Congress is still working on the budget.

The White House has not said when Biden will send his 2023 spending proposal to Congress.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2022