Washington, May 13: U.S. Congress member Julie Johnson has introduced a bill aimed at strengthening women’s economic security in South and Central Asia. This legislation directly links the initiative to broader U.S. foreign policy goals and regional stability.
The proposed bill, named the ‘EMPOWER Act,’ seeks to establish U.S. policy to promote women’s economic security and advancement in South and Central Asia, making it an integral part of the region’s foreign policy objectives.
While announcing the bill, Johnson emphasized that women’s participation in the economy is deeply connected to poverty alleviation and long-term regional stability.
“We know that women’s participation in the workforce, ownership of property, 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, making this initiative even more meaningful,” she stated.
Johnson criticized the Trump administration’s policies and advocated for continued U.S. engagement in the region through economic partnerships and development initiatives.
“The Trump administration waged a reckless cultural war at the expense of our national security interests, yet Congress must remain committed to prudent investments in global stability,” she remarked.
She added, “This important bill 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 women’s full and uninterrupted political, economic, and social participation is crucial for achieving universal human rights, global prosperity, peace, and security.
The bill states that women’s participation in the workforce, property ownership, and economic security act as “development multipliers,” promoting financial stability, educational attainment, and poverty reduction in South and Central Asia.
The findings section of the bill highlights that women’s share of the labor force in South Asia is “approximately 33 percent, one of the lowest rates of women’s labor force participation in the world.” It also notes that gender equality in employment could increase South Asia’s GDP by “19 to 58 percent.”
Under this bill, 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.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
