Valerie Jarrett

“ Leaders across all levels of government, the private sector, and academia are in agreement that empowering all women, while understanding and addressing the unique challenges facing women of color, is a social, moral, and economic imperative. In a country that increasingly depends on the strength, creativity, and wisdom of our women -- it is in everyone’s best interest to ensure no one is left behind, and all women are in position to lead and succeed. ”

“ Women of color have ascended to the upper ranks of our workplaces and board rooms across industries; teen pregnancy rates for girls of color have plummeted; and high school and college graduation rates have risen. These are important gains, not only for women of color, but for everyone. As these women flourish, their families are strengthened, jobs are created in their communities, local economies grow, and our entire country benefits.
Still, gains such as these should not obscure the challenge ahead. ”

“ Addressing gender-based violence in all its forms – from domestic violence, to genital cutting, to early and forced marriage – that needs to be on our agenda too. Because girls around the world deserve so much better – they are so eager to learn...and so many of them are sacrificing so much for the chance to get an education. ”

“ Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women. This year alone more than 230,000 women will be diagnosed. It is our responsibility as sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, grandparents, and friends to make sure our loved ones are getting checked, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure that all Americans, no matter their race, sexual orientation, or financial status, have access to the insurance and health care they need. ”

“ And as women’s role in society and our economy continues to evolve and grow, so too has the importance of ensuring that all women and girls succeed, including women and girls of color who often face compounded disparities. ”

“ Every woman is different, so it’s important to speak with your health care provider about the breast cancer screening schedule and tools that are most appropriate.
It can, of course, be difficult to face a frightening diagnosis, but regular discussions with our health care providers and an appropriate screening schedule can improve our chances for healthy outcomes. And that goes for all women, because while a family history of the disease can increase your chances of developing breast cancer, the majority of breast cancers occur in women without a family history. ”

“ Women of color also face some of the highest rates of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and other serious conditions, while experiencing disproportionately high rates of domestic violence. And when women are the primary or sole breadwinners for nearly half of all households of color, these disparities do not just affect them, but their entire families and communities. ”

“ Research also shows that racial minorities and women from low-income communities are less likely to receive regular screenings, and thus less likely to catch the disease early. That’s a problem which is partly being addressed as millions of uninsured Americans secure health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, but raising awareness of the importance of regular mammograms is also key to addressing these types of disparities. ”

“ Since taking office, President Obama has made it clear that ensuring equity and opportunity for the nation’s daughters would remain a paramount focus for his Administration. As the President has put it: "When women succeed, America succeeds." ”

“ This event recognized the vital importance of public and private sector partnership and investment to promote opportunities for Afghan women in government, education, and the economy. Efforts like USAID’s largest-ever women-focused program, Promote, which aims to empower women and girls in Afghanistan in order to strengthen the political and economic future of Afghan women, families, communities, and the entire country. ”

“ Today, girls of color still perform lower on standardized tests than their white peers. They are more likely to be suspended from school or drop out. Women and girls of color face higher rates of poverty, receive lower wages for their work than their white peers, and are more likely to become involved in the criminal justice system. ”

“ Secretary Kerry underscored America’s continued commitment to the Partnership, and its goals for promoting the full civic, political, and economic inclusion and empowerment of women around the world. There was a fantastic panel featuring the Foreign Ministers of Croatia, Australia, Japan, and Finland, and the Minister for Social Development and Inclusion of Peru, on strategies for increasing women’s representation in leadership positions in the public and private sectors. ”