WASHINGTON – U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is proud to support the National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality released by the White House. The strategy seeks to advance the full participation of all people – including women and girls – in the United States and around the world. Implementing and realizing the strategy will be a government-wide undertaking and will build on the work the Biden-Harris Administration has already accomplished, including through DFC.
“DFC was delighted to contribute to this groundbreaking strategy that will help transform the lives of women here at home and around the world,” said Algene Sajery, DFC’s Vice President of External Affairs and Head of Global Gender Equity Initiatives. “We look forward to working with the White House and Congress to advance the strategy through DFC’s 2X Women’s Initiative, which focuses on unlocking the economic potential of women in developing countries.” Ms. Sajery also serves as DFC’s representative on the White House Gender Policy Council.
Gender inequality is a global challenge with repercussions for community development, economic prosperity, and quality of life throughout the world. Promoting gender equity in developing countries is a key priority for DFC and an important consideration in its development finance projects across all sectors, including climate, health, technology, and more.
Through the agency’s flagship 2X Women’s Initiative, DFC is committed to addressing the unique challenges women face globally and unlocking the multi-trillion dollar opportunity they represent. Through 2X, DFC has catalyzed more than $7 billion of investment in projects that are owned by women, led by women, or provide a product or service that empowers women and the agency is working to mobilize an additional $12 billion by 2025.
The National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality will serve as a new guidepost for DFC to further its efforts to promote gender equity in low- and lower-middle income countries overseas. By harmonizing this work with other U.S. government development tools under a single strategy, U.S. development finance will become a more powerful tool in advancing gender equity globally than ever before.
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U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is America’s development bank. DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology. DFC also provides financing for small businesses and women entrepreneurs in order to create jobs in emerging markets. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.