IWD Director Testifies Before House Subcommittee

IWD Director Testifies Before House Subcommittee

Washington, D.C. – The Director of the Office of International Women’s Development (IWD), Ms. Susan Riley, recently testified before the House Subcommittee on Global Development, Population, and Migration. Her testimony focused on the agency’s programs and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls worldwide. Riley outlined IWD’s efforts to: *

Combat gender-based violence:

Provide technical assistance to governments and civil society organizations to implement laws and policies that protect women and girls from violence. *

Promote economic empowerment:

Support initiatives that provide women with access to finance, training, and employment opportunities. *

Enhance political participation:

Fund programs that encourage women to run for office and participate in decision-making processes. *

Protect women’s health and reproductive rights:

Collaborate with partners to ensure access to essential health services, including family planning and maternal health. Riley emphasized the importance of these programs in achieving gender equality and sustainable development. She highlighted specific examples of successful initiatives, such as: * A program in Guatemala that provided microloans to women entrepreneurs, resulting in increased income and improved economic well-being. * A campaign in Pakistan that worked to change social norms around violence against women, leading to a decrease in reported cases. * A partnership in Kenya that provided training and leadership opportunities for women leaders, empowering them to participate in political decision-making. Riley stressed the need for continued funding and support for IWD’s programs. She noted that investing in women and girls is not only a moral imperative but also a wise investment in the future. “Empowering women is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do,” Riley said. “When women and girls are thriving, their families, communities, and the world benefit as a whole.” The Subcommittee members expressed appreciation for IWD’s work and pledged to support efforts to strengthen the agency’s programs. The testimony highlighted the ongoing commitment of the U.S. government to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls globally.Iowa’s Unemployment Revamp Aims for Quick Relief

Iowa’s Unemployment Revamp Aims for Quick Relief

Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend recently testified before the U.S. House of Representatives on the state’s revised unemployment system. Iowa’s Reemployment Case Management (RCM) program was modeled after a federal program, but offers more immediate assistance to job seekers. The federal program previously had a five-week waiting period before providing support. Townsend emphasized that Iowa’s RCM program offers assistance sooner to help individuals find new jobs or pursue training, accelerating their return to employment. According to Townsend, the program has received positive feedback from recipients who appreciate the guidance and support it provides. She shared an example of an individual who was successfully assisted by the program. Townsend testified before the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, outlining Iowa’s innovative approach to unemployment assistance.

IWD Director Testifies Before House Subcommittee

Washington, D.C. – The Director of the Institute for Women’s Development (IWD), Dr. Mary Ellen Wuori, recently testified before the House Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. Dr. Wuori highlighted the critical role of IWD in promoting gender equity and economic empowerment for women and girls. She emphasized the importance of investing in programs that provide women with the skills, training, and support they need to succeed in the workforce. “Empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative, it’s also a smart economic investment,” said Dr. Wuori. “When women have the opportunity to fully participate in the economy, it benefits their families, communities, and the nation as a whole.” Dr. Wuori shared data from IWD’s research, which demonstrates the positive impact of its programs on women’s lives. Participants in IWD’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Program increased their incomes by an average of 20%, while those in the Young Women’s Leadership Program were more likely to graduate from high school and college. The Subcommittee members expressed strong support for IWD’s work and pledged to continue their collaboration to advance policies that promote gender equity and economic security for women and girls. IWD is a nonprofit organization that works to create a more equitable and just world for women and girls. Since its founding in 1983, IWD has provided programs and services to over 250,000 women and girls in the United States and globally.