EEOC Contributes to Historic National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality

The White House recently released its National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality. This strategy, mandated by an Executive Order signed by President Biden on International Women’s Day March 8, 2021, plans an approach to address longstanding gender discrimination and systemic barriers women and girls face. A letter issued by the President and Vice President states that the strategy “addresses barriers faced by those who belong to underserved and historically marginalized communities that have long been denied full opportunity: women and girls of color, LGBTQI+ people, people with disabilities, and all of those whose lives are affected by persistent poverty and inequality.” The goal is to encourage equal opportunity for all people

In a press release issued by the EEOC on October 22, 2021, EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows states, "The COVID-19 pandemic’s disparate impact on women generally and women of color in particular makes it more urgent than ever to ensure that gender is not a barrier to economic security and opportunities in the workplace. This strategy’s goals to promote pay equity, eliminate harassment and other forms of employment discrimination, and support the nation’s caregivers are all important EEOC priorities". EEOC Vice Chair Jocelyn Samuels served as a senior designee to the White House Gender Policy Council that led to the development of the strategy.

The strategy outlines ten interconnected priorities that are to be embarked upon simultaneously:

1. Economic security
2. Gender-based violence
3. Health Care
4. Education
5. Justice and immigration
6. Human rights and gender equality under the law
7. Security and humanitarian relief
8. Climate change
9. Science and technology
10. Democracy, participation, and leadership.

The strategy adopts an intersectional approach that takes into account not only gender but other aspects of identity that can affect equity and equality including race, disability, sexual orientation, sexual identity, and more. You can find additional information on the Executive Order and the National Strategy in the National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality Fact Sheet.