USA/INDIA
Geeta Rao Gupta, the recently sworn-in US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, is currently in India on a week-long visit to address gender equality policy priorities in the region and worldwide. Gupta’s visit aims to advance women’s empowerment and promote gender equality initiatives in India.
Commencing her visit on Tuesday, Gupta is currently in Gujarat, leading the US delegation to the G20 Alliance for the Empowerment and Progression of Women’s Economic Representation (G20 EMPOWER) Conference. The conference serves as a platform to discuss and strategize women’s economic representation and empowerment.
Later, she will participate in the G20 Ministerial Conference on Women’s Empowerment, where key stakeholders will collaborate on measures to advance women’s rights and gender equality in the G20 member countries.
In her itinerary, Gupta is scheduled to travel to Mumbai on Saturday to engage with representatives from the private sector and civil society. The discussions will revolve around essential gender equality priorities in India, including dismantling systemic barriers to women’s economic participation, addressing the gender digital divide, and combatting gender-based violence.
Accompanied by Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Nancy Izzo Jackson, Gupta will then head to Bengalaru to deliver keynote remarks at the WEConnect International Asia Pacific Conference on August 7. This event will offer an opportunity to emphasize the importance of women’s economic empowerment and encourage collaboration between diverse stakeholders.
Throughout her visit, the Mumbai-born diplomat will actively interact with women leaders and civil society organizations to promote women’s rights and empowerment in India. Emphasizing the significance of these efforts, Gupta highlights that women still face numerous inequalities and challenges in fully participating in the economy.
The US delegation includes esteemed members like Special Assistant to the President at the White House Gender Policy Council Rachel Vogelstein, Consul General Mike Hankey, and USAID Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Jamille Bigio. Their presence underscores the United States’ commitment to working with India on advancing gender equality and women’s rights.
Gupta’s appointment as Ambassador-at-Large for the Office of Global Women’s Issues marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first woman of color to hold this prestigious position. Her visit to India signifies the United States‘ strong determination to collaborate with its international partners in promoting women’s rights and gender equality on a global scale.
In a world where women’s empowerment is a key driver of progress, Geeta Rao Gupta’s visit to India is expected to pave the way for significant strides towards a more equitable and inclusive society.
