Washington, May 13: U.S. Congresswoman Julie Johnson has introduced a bill aimed at strengthening women’s economic security in South and Central Asia. This legislation directly links this initiative to broader U.S. foreign policy and regional stability goals.
The proposed bill, titled the “Empower Act,” seeks to establish U.S. policy that promotes women’s economic security and advancement in South and Central Asia, making it an integral part of our foreign policy objectives in the region.
While announcing the bill, Johnson stated that women’s participation in the economy is deeply connected to poverty alleviation and long-term regional stability.
She emphasized, “We know that women’s engagement in the workforce, ownership of assets, and economic security are key factors in eradicating poverty and ensuring long-term stability, including in South and Central Asia. A large and vibrant South and Central Asian community resides in North Texas. The relationship between our region and that part of the world makes this effort even more meaningful.”
Johnson criticized the policies of the Trump administration, advocating for sustained U.S. engagement in the region through economic partnerships and development initiatives.
She remarked, “The Trump administration waged a reckless cultural war at the expense of our national security interests, yet Congress must remain committed to wise investments in global stability.”
Johnson noted, “This important legislation strengthens the State Department’s public-private partnerships and policy efforts, reaffirming our commitment to enhancing women’s economic mobility, employment, entrepreneurship, and access to education worldwide.”
According to the bill, Congress recognizes that the full and uninterrupted political, economic, and social participation of women is crucial for achieving universal human rights, global prosperity, peace, and security.
The bill states that women’s participation in the workforce, ownership of property, and economic security act as “development multipliers,” promoting financial stability, educational achievement, and poverty reduction in South and Central Asia.
The bill’s findings highlight that women’s share in the labor force in South Asia is “approximately 33 percent, one of the lowest rates of women’s labor force participation globally.” It also notes that gender equality in employment could increase South Asia’s GDP by “19 to 58 percent.”
Under this legislation, the Secretary of State will be directed to “maintain and expand existing women’s councils and other public-private partnerships,” involving governments, businesses, civil society groups, and universities.
These include the U.S.-Pakistan Women’s Council, the U.S.-India Women’s Economic Empowerment Coalition, and the Afghan Women’s Economic Resilience Coalition.
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