United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues explained

Post:Ambassador-at-Large
Body:the United States for Global Women's Issues
Insignia:US Department of State official seal.svg
Insigniasize:120px
Insigniacaption:Seal of the United States Department of State
Department:Department of State
Incumbent:Geeta Rao Gupta
Incumbentsince:May 18, 2023
Nominator:President of the United States
Formation:2009
Inaugural:Melanne Verveer
Website:U.S. Office - GWI

The Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues is the ambassador-at-large who heads the Office of Global Women's Issues in the United States Department of State, with the rank of Assistant Secretary.[1] [2]

The position was created by the Barack Obama administration in 2009. The first ambassador-at-large was Melanne Verveer,[3] who served from April 6, 2009, until she was replaced by Catherine M. Russell on May 8, 2013.[4] The post was vacant from January 20, 2017,[5] until Ambassador Kelley Eckels Currie was confirmed by the Senate and took office on January 14, 2020.[6] Currie left the post on January 20, 2021, and the position was vacant from January 20, 2021, to May 18, 2023. The Senior Official performing the duties of the office during this time was Katrina Fotovat. On May 18, 2023, Geeta Rao Gupta began work as the next Senate-confirmed ambassador-at-large.

The Department of State's Office of Global Women's Issues ensures that the rights of women and girls are fully integrated into the formulation and conduct of United States foreign policy. Working with the White House, USAID, the Department of Defense, and other agencies, as well as with civil society and the private sector, the United States Department of State has launched multiple and wide-ranging global initiatives to promote women's social and economic development, integrate women into peace and security building, address and prevent gender-based violence, and ensure women's full participation in civic and political life.

Accomplishments of the Office of Global Women's issues to date[7] include health care and police training to help survivors of sexual violence in the Congo and support for female entrepreneurs in the Americas.

List of ambassadors

ImageNameAppointmentLeft officePresident served under
1Melanne VerveerApril 6, 2009May 8, 2013Barack Obama
2Catherine RussellAugust 26, 2013January 20, 2017
-VacantJanuary 20, 2017January 14, 2020Donald Trump
3Kelley Eckels CurrieJanuary 14, 2020January 20, 2021
-VacantJanuary 20, 2021May 18, 2023Joe Biden
4Geeta Rao GuptaMay 18, 2023Incumbent

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Assistant Secretaries and Equivalent Rank. January 20, 2009. November 15, 2015.
  2. Web site: Department Organization Chart. March 2014. November 15, 2015.
  3. Rhee, Foon. Boston.com. Obama nominates ambassador for women's issues March 6, 2009. Accessed March 8, 2009.
  4. State Dept. official biography of Catherine M. Russell https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/213845.htm Accessed September 24, 2013.
  5. https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/title/as/204538.htm Global Women's Issues (Ambassador-at-Large): Vacant
  6. Web site: Ambassador Kelley E. Currie . U.S. Department of State . January 31, 2020.
  7. News: A Question of How Women's Issues Will Fare, in Washington and Overseas. Wheaton. Sarah. 2013-08-22. The New York Times. 0362-4331. 2016-09-06.