U.S. President Joe Biden has said that he would request $2.6 billion from Congress to fund foreign aid programmes that promote gender equality worldwide.

Mr Biden announced his intentions in his message to celebrate the 2022 International Women’s Day (IWD) on Tuesday.

He said everyone deserves to live up to their “God-given” potential, regardless of gender, and that societies performed better when women and girls were 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.

“Yet too often, in too many places, women and girls face obstacles that limit their possibilities and undermine their participation in economic, political, and social life,’’ he said.

He said the barriers have been exposed and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affected women’s labour force participation, elevated the burden on paid and unpaid caregivers, and increased the incidence of gender-based violence.

The U.S. leader created the first-ever White House Gender Policy Council on IWD in 2021 to help promote gender equality throughout the administration.

Similarly, in a statement by the First Lady, Jill Biden, she paid tributes to women throughout the world “who courageously used their voices, 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.

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

“And to women warriors around the world, those fighting for justice and working for change: Thank you for building a better future for all of us,” she said.

(NAN)