YEAR 2022

White House

The White House received an 85 (B) with transparency and an 88 (B+) without transparency in 2022. This grade was the result of multiple actions that moderately or significantly promoted sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) globally across all three domains, including the Executive Order on Protecting Access to Reproductive Healthcare Services, the United States Strategy to Combat Gender Based Violence Globally, and the Memorandum on the Establishment of the White House Task Force to Address Online Harassment and Abuse. The White House requested an adequate funding amount for both global HIV and AIDS and maternal and child health (MCH) efforts, but the proposed budget for family planning (FP) continued to be low, which negatively affected the grade in this domain. Transparency was moderately high for all actions and budget data across the three domains in 2022.

A-

HIV & AIDS

The White House received a 92 (A-) with transparency and a 95 (A) without transparency in the HIV and AIDS domain in 2022. The White House requested full funding for global HIV and AIDS programs through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as well as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Generally, actions graded in this domain meaningfully prioritized global HIV and AIDS programs, which supported the ability of U.S. global health assistance to promote SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain. The White House demonstrated moderate levels of transparency across actions and funding information in this domain. In alignment with previous years, HIV and AIDS was the highest scoring domain for the White House in 2022.

The Fòs Feminista data index grades government agencies on policies and funding impacting family planning, maternal and child health, and HIV & AIDS foreign assistance.

Selecting a document will download the file

2022_White House Action Plan on Global Water Security

Recognizing that global water security is essential to U.S. national security, this Plan outlined an innovative, whole-of-government approach to address this challenge. The Plan was responsive to need and aligned with human rights principles. It included a discussion of gender and recognized the disproportionate impact of water scarcity on women and girls, though was rooted in a gender binary. The Plan wasgender blind, as it did not acknowledge the gendered norms that govern access to water and sanitation infrastructure or the links between water scarcity and sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) against women. The Plan did not consider evidence on the links between water scarcity, climate-related disruptions, and the curtailing of SRHR services and access. The Plan neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R.2617)

This Act provided appropriations to federal agencies for the remainder of fiscal year (FY) 2023, and included supplemental appropriations for disaster relief and support to Ukraine. Commitments included funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) international HIV programming and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), as well as funds to promote gender equality and address gender-based violence (GBV) more broadly. The action was based in evidence and responsive to need. It was gender aware, as it focused on gender equality rather than equity, and did not acknowledge the importance of working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities and other key populations. This Act neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_Executive Order on Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Individuals

The Order was issued to combat unlawful discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals, eliminate the inequalities that harm LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families, and defend their rights and safety. It advanced human rights and discouraged discrimination. While the bulk of the action was focused on domestic measures, the Order committed foreign assistance to develop an action plan to promote an end to use of “so called conversion therapy” around the world. It clearly mandated the end of a practice that is detrimental to the health and safety of LGBTQI+ individuals. Based on the activities detailed, the Order was responsive to need and based in evidence. While the Order did not directly advance HIV outcomes globally, it reaffirmed the need to protect the rights and safety of the LGBTQIA+ community globally. The action moderately promoted SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_Executive Order on Protecting Access to Reproductive Healthcare Services

The Order responded to the overturn of Roe v. Wade, and aimed to protect healthcare service delivery and promote access to critical reproductive healthcare services, including abortion. It was only gender accomodating, as the use of gendered language such as "pregnant women" did not acknowledge the diversity of people that use and need reproductive healthcare services such as abortion. The Order did not consider the linkages between HIV care and reproductive care, nor did it mention people living with HIV as a key constituency that need access to safe reproductive healthcare. However, it was based in evidence, responsive to need, and aligned with international human rights principles. The Order moderately promoted SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_Fact Sheet_ The Biden Administration’s Commitment to Global Health

The action summarized the global health achievements of the Biden-Harris Administration in 2021 and outlined commitments for 2022. The action aligned with international human rights principles, was based in evidence, and responsive to need. For instance, it highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global health, as well as the need to bundle HIV care and COVID-19 services. The action detailed continued leadership on HIV and AIDS, especially through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) services and renewed funding to the Global Fund which advanced global action to address HIV and AIDS. Additionally, commitments around vaccine justice and supply chain improvements globally will have positive externalities HIV and AIDS services at the community level. The action moderately promoted SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain. Additionally, commitments around vaccine justice and supply chain improvements globally will have positive externalities HIV and AIDS services at the community level. The action moderately promoted SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act of 2021 (H.R.4693)

The Act directed the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to conduct activities to prevent and treat malnutrition globally. Specific information was provided about available resources to address malnutrition through the Global Nutrition Coordination Plan. Instructions were provided to inform effective targeting of those resources based on country-wise indicators. The Act was responsive to need and based in evidence. It was only gender accomodating, as it retained a focus on “pregnant and lactating women” rather than people, and did not account for populations besides women and children in programming. While it did not specifically reference HIV in the text, it emphasized the importance of creating stronger community health systems that can deliver interventions and commodities at the community level, which will have a cascading impact on HIV service delivery. The Act moderately promoted SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_Memorandum on Addressing the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19

The action acknowledged the domestic and global impacts of COVID-19 on health and addressed the long-term effects of COVID-19 on individuals and on society. The action was based in evidence and responsive to need. Although the bulk of the activities mentioned were domestic in focus, the implications of the emergent data and guidance to agencies applied to international health outcomes. Correlations were not made between the domain of HIV and COVID-19 outcomes. The action neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_Memorandum on the Establishment of the White House Task Force to Address Online Harassment and Abuse

The action attempted to bolster efforts to prevent and address online harassment and abuse. The action was aligned with human rights principles, responsive to need, and based in evidence. It considered global and national data on the prevalence of violence, as well as the links between online harassment and physical violence. While the engagement with law enforcement personnel was not aligned with approaches that encourage a decarceral approach, it expanded GBV strategy into virtual spaces. The action moderately promoted SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_Memorandum on Presidential Determination with Respect to the Efforts of Foreign Governments Regarding Trafficking in Persons

This action reviewed which forms of U.S. foreign assistance could be received by other countries based on their compliance with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons, which was defined in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA). The action stated that the United States Government (USG) will not provide "nonhumanitarian, nontrade-related assistance"—which includes global health assistance—to specific countries that do not meet these minimum standards, with some exceptions to allow for global health funding, as well as "development assistance that directly addresses basic human needs" on a country-by-country basis. Like the previous year, this year’s action was not based in evidence or responsive to need. Cutting off global health assistance for these countries could pose a barrier for survivors of trafficking to receiving sexual and reproductive healthcare, including HIV and AIDS services. Its emphasis on compliance rather than entitlements, and its focus on carceral approaches was not aligned with international human rights principles. The action was gender blind, as it did not acknowledge the gendered prevalence of trafficking or the impact of these funding cuts on survivors. By leveraging global health assistance as a tool to coerce compliance with TVPA, this action moderately hindered SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_National Security Memorandum on Countering Biological Threats, Enhancing Pandemic Preparedness, and Achieving Global Health Security

The action focused on countering biological threats, advancing pandemic preparedness, and achieving global health security. Much of the action focused on national-level preparedness policies and strategies and did not specifically mention health and foreign policy beyond the need to align it with the Global Health Systems strategy. It was based in evidence and responsive to need. It was not explicitly aligned with human rights principles and was mostly blind. For instance, it did not acknowledge the gendered impacts of the threats mentioned in it. This action neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_Presidential Memorandum to Promote Accountability for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

The action outlined USG efforts to combat conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and promoted legal, policy, diplomatic, and financial solutions to deter future violence. These details indicated efforts to identify interventions beyond carceral solutions. The action was aligned with human rights principles and responsive to need. It was gender transformative rather than transformative as it acknowledged the impact of violence on women and children but did not discuss the burden of violence faced by gender-diverse and sexually diverse people in conflict. Nonetheless, it demonstrated commitment to addressing gender-based violence (GBV). The action moderately promoted SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_Strengthening Health Security Across the Globe: Progress and Impact of U.S. Government Investments in the Global Health Security Agenda

The action documented USG strategy for global health security with an emphasis on the following four areas: (1) marshaling political will, (2) developing global norms around quality of care and technical standards, (3) enhancing sustainable multilateral financing, and (4) strengthening capacities in partner countries. While the action was not explicitly based in human rights principles, it aligned to International Health Regulations, the Biological and Toxins Weapon Convention, United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1540, and other international health conventions that are rights-based. It was responsive to need and based in evidence. The action was gender blind as it focused on supply-side interventions and did not mention gender. Despite acknowledging the work of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) globally, there was no substantive discussion about their work in discussions on health security. The action neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_U.S. Government Global Food Security Strategy FY22-26

This action updated the Global Food Security Strategy and charted a course towards reducing global poverty, hunger, and malnutrition in the face of COVID-19, climate change, growing conflict, and rising inequality. The strategy's overarching goal was to sustainably reduce global poverty, hunger, and malnutrition via the Feed the Future (the USG global hunger and food-security initiative) three objectives: (1) inclusive and sustainable agriculture-led economic growth; (2) strengthened resilience among people, communities, countries, and systems; and (3) a well-nourished population, especially among women and children. The action was aligned with human rights principles, responsive to need, and based in evidence. It demonstrated a commitment to inclusion as a cross cutting strategy, and recognized groups that need targeted intervention including, but not limited to “women and girls; persons with disabilities; LGBTQI+ people; displaced persons; migrants; Indigenous peoples and communities; youth; older persons; religious minorities; ethnic and racial groups; people in lower castes; and people of diverse economic classes and political opinions.” The updated strategy acknowledged links between improved nutrition and better overall health outcomes and included updated indicators to reinforce this point. However despite the stated commitment to inclusion, the action was gender accomodating at best, as it retained the focus on “pregnant women” in objectives related to maternal nutrition. The action neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_U.S. Government Global Water Strategy 2022-2027

This action expanded on the White House Action Plan to ensure health, prosperity, stability, and resilience through sustainable and equitable water resources management, access to safe drinking water, sanitation services, and hygiene practices. The action was responsive to need, and based in evidence. It acknowledged the links between water security and positive health outcomes. Sexual and reproductive health—including menstrual hygiene management—was not discussed. The action explored the gendered impact of water scarcity and its connections to GBV. It demonstrated a commitment to inclusion, as evidenced by its prioritization of access to “basic services for those who experience intersecting vulnerabilities arising from age, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, sex characteristics, religion, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, or other specific barriers.” The action moderately promoted SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_United States Government Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Congressional Report

The WPS Report provided Congress with an overview of progress made in implementing the WPS Agenda since the Biden-Harris administration interventions in 2021. The Report evaluated progress in advancing the WPS Strategy's four lines of effort across the Department of State, Department of Defence (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and USAID: participation, protection, internal capabilities, and partnerships. While improved health outcomes were included as a positive impact of implementing the WPS Agenda, HIV and AIDS and the needs of women living with HIV were not meaningfully included. The Report was responsive to need, as it included GBV prevention and programming as a cross-cutting measure of progress towards achieving the WPS Agenda. The Report also emphasized the importance of evidence-based implementation and decision-making, and included specific and actionable milestones to measure progress, which was responsive to need. The Report moderately promoted SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_United States Strategy to Combat Gender Based Violence Globally

The action updated earlier efforts “to advance equity and inclusivity and address the factors that increase the risks of gender-based violence and undermine access to services and safety, particularly for the most marginalized groups.” It was aligned with international human rights principles, responsive to need, and recognized the most recent evidence about addressing GBV. For instance, it acknowledged other at-risk, marginalised communities such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons, and boys and men as survivors of violence. It explored the rise of digital platforms and social media as drivers of violence, analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and examined links between climate change and violence. The action was gender transformative, as it not only offered a critical examination of gender norms and dynamics, but also committed to creating systems that reinforced this critique and broke cycles of violence. The action significantly promoted SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

2022_United States Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability

The action affirmed U.S. intent to “strengthen fragile states where state weakness or failure would magnify threats to the American homeland” and “empower reform-minded governments, people, and civil society” in these states. The action was responsive to need and based in evidence, but was not aligned with human rights principles. It acknowledged the “gaps between men and women in conflict-affected areas” but did not substantively address any of the domains or cross-cutting themes like GBV. The action neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the HIV and AIDS domain.

B+

Maternal and Child Health (MCH)

The White House received an 87 (B+) with transparency and an 88 (B+) without transparency in the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) domain in 2022. The White House requested adequate funding for global MCH programs within USAID, UNIFEM (now UN Women), and the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Generally, actions graded in this domain meaningfully referenced global MCH programs, which supported the ability of global health assistance to promote SRHR in the MCH domain. The White House demonstrated a moderate level of transparency within MCH policies and a moderate level of transparency for the availability of funding information in the MCH domain.

The Fòs Feminista data index grades government agencies on policies and funding impacting family planning, maternal and child health, and HIV & AIDS foreign assistance.

Selecting a document will download the file

2022_White House Action Plan on Global Water Security

Recognizing that global water security is essential to U.S. national security, this Plan outlined an innovative, whole-of-government approach to address this challenge. The Plan was responsive to need and aligned with human rights principles. It included a discussion of gender and recognized the disproportionate impact of water scarcity on women and girls, though was rooted in a gender binary. The Plan was gender blind, as it did not acknowledge the gendered norms that govern access to water and sanitation infrastructure or the links between water scarcity and SGBV against women. The Plan did not consider evidence on the links between water scarcity, climate-related disruptions, and the curtailing of SRHR services and access. The Plan neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the MCH domain.

2022_Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R.2617)

This Act provided appropriations to federal agencies for the remainder of FY2023, and included supplemental appropriations for disaster relief and support to Ukraine. The action was responsive to need. It was difficult to assess if it was aligned with human rights principles or based in evidence, as it outlined allocations without clarifying the rationales for those allocations. Most of the MCH-related efforts were domestically focused, but cross-cutting efforts such as specific funding for gender equality and countering GBV were also included. The Act neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the MCH domain.

2022_Executive Order on Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Individuals

The Order was issued to combat unlawful discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals, eliminate the inequalities that harm LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families, and defend their rights and safety. It advanced human rights and discouraged discrimination. While the bulk of the action was focused on domestic measures, the Order committed foreign assistance to develop an action plan to promote an end to use of “so called conversion therapy” around the world. It clearly mandated the end of a practice that is detrimental to the health and safety of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Based on the activities detailed, the Order was responsive to need and based in evidence. While the Order did not directly advance MCH outcomes globally, it reaffirmed the need to protect the rights and safety of the LGBTQIA+ community globally. The action moderately promoted SRHR in the MCH domain.

2022_Executive Order on Protecting Access to Reproductive Healthcare Services

The Order responded to the overturn of Roe v. Wade, and aimed to protect healthcare service delivery and promote access to critical reproductive healthcare services, including abortion. It was gender accomodating, as the use of gendered language such as "pregnant women" did not acknowledge that diversity of people that use and need reproductive healthcare services. It was based in evidence, responsive to need, and aligned with international human rights principles. The Order committed to enhancing access to a “full range of reproductive health services” including care for “pregnancy loss, miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies”, and abortion services. It also highlighted the need for new ways to increase outreach and education about access to reproductive healthcare services. The Order moderately promoted SRHR in the MCH domain.

2022_Fact Sheet_ The Biden Administration’s Commitment to Global Health

The action summarized the global health achievements of the Biden-Harris Administration in 2021 and outlined commitments for 2022. The action aligned with international human rights principles, was based in evidence, and responsive to need. For instance, it highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on childhood immunization, nutrition, and polio eradication. The action underscored the revocation of the expanded Mexico City Policy and the resumed funding to UNFPA, and aimed to position the U.S. as a champion of SRHR. However, commitments as a champion were not clearly articulated and only included weak language around international collaboration. Nonetheless, the commitments around vaccine justice and supply chain improvements globally will have positive externalities on MCH (e.g., HPV vaccination and screening). The action moderately promoted SRHR in the MCH domain.

2022_Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act of 2021 (H.R.4693)

The Act directed USAID to conduct activities to prevent and treat malnutrition globally. Specific information was provided about available resources to address malnutrition through the Global Nutrition Coordination Plan. Instructions were provided to inform effective targeting of those resources based on country-wise indicators. The Act was responsive to need and based in evidence. The Act used gendered language (e.g., “pregnant and lactating women” rather than people), but outlined support for MCH activities through specific resource allocations for prenatal nutrient supplements and breastfeeding support. The emphasis on stronger community health systems will have cascading impacts on MCH outcomes. The Act moderately promoted SRHR in the MCH domain.

2022_Memorandum on Addressing the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19

The action acknowledged the domestic and global impacts of COVID-19 and addressed the long-term effects of COVID-19 on individuals and on society. The action was based in evidence and responsive to need. Although the bulk of the activities mentioned were domestic in focus, the implications of the emergent data and guidance to agencies applied to international health outcomes. For instance, the action included a mandate to collect evidence on the impact of long COVID-19 on pregnant people amongst other marginalized groups such as people living with disabilities, and different race and ethnicity groups. The action included gender-neutral language (e.g., “pregnant people”). The action moderately promoted SRHR in the MCH domain.

2022_Memorandum on the Establishment of the White House Task Force to Address Online Harassment and Abuse

2022_Memorandum on Presidential Determination with Respect to the Efforts of Foreign Governments Regarding Trafficking in Persons

This action reviewed which forms of U.S. foreign assistance could be received by other countries based on their compliance with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons, which was defined in the TVPA. The action stated that USG will not provide "nonhumanitarian, nontrade-related assistance"—which includes global health assistance—to specific countries that do not meet these minimum standards, with some exceptions to allow for global health funding, as well as "development assistance that directly addresses basic human needs" on a country-by-country basis. Like the previous year, this year’s action was not based in evidence or responsive to need. Cutting off global health assistance for these countries could pose a barrier for survivors of trafficking to receiving sexual and reproductive healthcare, including MCH services. Its emphasis on compliance rather than entitlements, and its focus on carceral approaches was not aligned with international human rights principles. The action was gender blind, as it did not acknowledge the gendered prevalence of trafficking or the impact of these funding cuts on survivors. By leveraging global health assistance as a tool to coerce compliance with TVPA, this action moderately hindered SRHR in the MCH domain.

2022_National Security Memorandum on Countering Biological Threats, Enhancing Pandemic Preparedness, and Achieving Global Health Security

The action focused on countering biological threats, advancing pandemic preparedness, and achieving global health security. Much of the action focused on national-level preparedness policies and strategies and did not specifically mention health and foreign policy beyond the need to align it with the Global Health Systems strategy. It was based in evidence and responsive to need. It was not explicitly aligned with human rights principles and was mostly gender blind. For instance, it did acknowledge the gendered impacts of the kinds of threats mentioned in it. This action neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the MCH domain.

2022_Presidential Memorandum to Promote Accountability for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

The action outlined USG efforts to combat CRSV and promoted legal, policy, diplomatic, and financial solutions to deter future violence. These details indicated efforts to identify interventions beyond carceral solutions. The action was aligned with human rights principles and responsive to need. It was gender accomodating rather than transformative as it acknowledged the impact of violence on women and children, but did not discuss the burden of violence faced by gender-diverse and sexually diverse people in conflict. Nonetheless, it demonstrated commitment to addressing GBV. The action moderately promoted SRHR in the MCH domain.

2022_Strengthening Health Security Across the Globe: Progress and Impact of U.S. Government Investments in the Global Health Security Agenda

The action documented USG strategy for global health security with an emphasis on the following four areas: (1) marshaling political will, (2) developing global norms around quality of care and technical standards, (3) enhancing sustainable multilateral financing, and (4) strengthening capacities in partner countries. While the action was not explicitly based in human rights principles, it aligned to International Health Regulations, the Biological and Toxins Weapon Convention, UN Security Council Resolution 1540, and other international health conventions that are rights-based. It was responsive to need and based in evidence. The action was gender blind as it focused on supply-side interventions and did not mention gender. Despite acknowledging the impact of COVID-19 on maternal health outcomes in some geographies, there was no substantive discussion of future commitments. The action neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the MCH domain.

2022_U.S. Government Global Food Security Strategy FY22-26

This action updated the Global Food Security Strategy and charted a course towards reducing global poverty, hunger, and malnutrition in the face of COVID-19, climate change, growing conflict, and rising inequality. The strategy's overarching goal was to sustainably reduce global poverty, hunger, and malnutrition via the Feed the Future (the USG global hunger and food-security initiative) three objectives: (1) inclusive and sustainable agriculture-led economic growth, (2) strengthened resilience among people, communities, countries, and systems; and (3) a well-nourished population, especially among women and children. The action was aligned with human rights principles, responsive to need, and based in evidence. It demonstrated a commitment to inclusion as a cross cutting strategy, and recognised groups that need targeted intervention including, but not limited to “women and girls; persons with disabilities; LGBTQIA+ people; displaced persons; migrants; Indigenous peoples and communities; youth; older persons; religious minorities; ethnic and racial groups; people in lower castes; and people of diverse economic classes and political opinions.” The updated strategy acknowledged links between improved nutrition and better overall health outcomes, and included updated indicators to reinforce this point. Despite the stated commitment to inclusion, the action was gender accomodating at best, as it retained the focus on “pregnant women” in objectives related to maternal nutrition. The action promoted “adequate diets for women and appropriate infant and young child feeding practices” and outlined income-supplementing strategies to encourage women’s empowerment. The action moderately promoted SRHR in the MCH domain.

2022_U.S. Government Global Water Strategy 2022-2027

This action expanded on the White House Action Plan to ensure health, prosperity, stability, and resilience through sustainable and equitable water resources management, access to safe drinking water, sanitation services, and hygiene practices. The action was responsive to need and based in evidence. It acknowledged the links between water security and positive health outcomes. Sexual and reproductive health—including menstrual hygiene management—was not discussed. The action explored the gendered impact of water scarcity and its connections to GBV. It demonstrated a commitment to inclusion, as evidenced by its prioritization of access to “basic services for those who experience intersecting vulnerabilities arising from age, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, sex characteristics, religion, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, or other specific barriers.” The action moderately promoted SRHR in the MCH domain.

2022_United States Government Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Congressional Report

The WPS Report provided Congress with an overview of progress made in implementing the WPS Agenda since the Biden-Harris administration’s interventions in 2021. The Report evaluated progress in advancing the WPS Strategy's four lines of effort across the Department of State, DoD, DHS, and USAID: participation, protection, internal capabilities, and partnerships. Improved health outcomes were included as a positive impact of implementing the WPS Agenda. The Report was responsive to need, as it included GBV prevention and programming as a cross-cutting measure of progress towards achieving the WPS Agenda. It also emphasized the importance of evidence-based implementation and decision-making, and included specific and actionable milestones to measure progress, which was responsive to need. The Report moderately promoted SRHR in the MCH domain.

2022_United States Strategy to Combat Gender Based Violence Globally

The action updated earlier efforts “to advance equity and inclusivity and address the factors that increase the risks of gender-based violence and undermine access to services and safety, particularly for the most marginalized groups.” It was aligned with international human rights principles responsive to need, and recognised the most recent evidence about addressing GBV. For instance, it acknowledged other at-risk, marginalized communities such LGBTQI+ persons, and boys and men as survivors of violence. It explored the rise of digital platforms and social media as drivers of violence, analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and examined links between climate change and violence. The action was gender transformative, as it not only offered a critical examination of gender norms and dynamics, but also committed to creating systems that reinforced this critique and broke cycles of violence. The action significantly promoted SRHR in the MCH domain.

2022_United States Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability

C+

B-

Family Planning (FP)

The White House received a 77 (C+) with transparency and an 81 (B-) without transparency in the Family Planning (FP) domain in 2022. This grade was positively affected by the allocated funding for UNFPA, and negatively affected by the inadequate funding amount for USAID FP programming in the President’s proposed budget. The USAID budgetary determination significantly hindered the ability of U.S. global health assistance to support comprehensive FP programs. Generally, actions graded in this domain meaningfully referenced global FP programs, which supported the ability of U.S. global health assistance to promote SRHR in the FP domain. The White House demonstrated moderate levels of transparency across actions and funding information in the FP domain in 2022.

The Fòs Feminista data index grades government agencies on policies and funding impacting family planning, maternal and child health, and HIV & AIDS foreign assistance.

Selecting a document will download the file

2022_White House Action Plan on Global Water Security

Recognising that global water security is essential to U.S. national security, this Plan outlined an innovative, whole-of-government approach to address this challenge. The Plan was responsive to need and aligned with human rights principles. It included a discussion of gender and recognised the disproportionate impact of water scarcity on women and girls, though was rooted in a gender binary. The Plan was gender blind, as it did not acknowledge the gendered norms that govern access to water and sanitation infrastructure or the links between water scarcity and SGBV against women. The Plan did not consider evidence on the links between water scarcity, climate-related disruptions, and the curtailing of SRHR services and access. The Plan neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the FP domain.

2022_Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R.2617)

This Act provided appropriations to federal agencies for the remainder of FY 2023, and supplemental appropriations for disaster relief and support to Ukraine. The action was responsive to need. It was difficult to assess if it was aligned with human rights principles or based in evidence, as it outlined allocations without clarifying the rationales for those allocations. Most of the FP-related efforts were domestically focused, but it did reference allocations to FP activities as part of continued commitment to HIV management through bilateral funding. The Act neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the FP domain.

2022_Executive Order on Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Individuals

The Order was issued to combat unlawful discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals, eliminate the inequalities that harm LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families, and defend their rights and safety. It advanced human rights and discouraged discrimination. While the bulk of the action was focused on domestic measures, the Order committed foreign assistance to develop an action plan to promote an end to use of “so called conversion therapy” use around the world. It clearly mandated the end of a practice that is detrimental to the health and safety of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Based on the activities detailed, the Order was responsive to need and based in evidence. While the Order did not directly advance FP outcomes globally, it reaffirmed the need to protect the rights and safety of the LGBTQIA+ community globally. The action moderately promoted SRHR in the FP domain.

2022_Executive Order on Protecting Access to Reproductive Healthcare Services

The Order responded to the overturn of Roe v. Wade, and aimed to protect healthcare service delivery and promote access to critical reproductive healthcare services, including abortion. It was gender accomodating, as the use of gendered language such as "pregnant women" did not acknowledge the diversity of people that use and need reproductive healthcare services. It was based in evidence, responsive to need, and aligned with international human rights principles. The Order committed to enhancing access to FP services by promoting awareness of and access to the full range of contraceptive services including emergency contraception and abortion care. It also highlighted the need for the identification of ways to increase outreach and education (especially the promotion of “right-based information”). The Order significantly promoted SRHR in the FP domain.

2022_Fact Sheet_ The Biden Administration’s Commitment to Global Health

The action summarized the global health achievements of the Biden-Harris Administration in 2021, and outlined commitments for 2022. The action aligned with international human rights principles, was based in evidence, and responsive to need. The action underscored the revocation of the expanded Mexico City Policy and the resumed funding to UNFPA, and aimed to position the U.S. as a champion of SRHR. However, commitments as a champion were not clearly articulated and only included weak language around international collaboration. Nonetheless, the commitments around vaccine justice and supply chain improvements globally will have positive externalities on FP. The action moderately promoted SRHR in the FP domain.

2022_Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act of 2021 (H.R.4693)

The Act directed USAID to conduct activities to prevent and treat malnutrition globally. Specific information was provided about available resources to address malnutrition through the Global Nutrition Coordination Plan. Instructions were provided to inform effective targeting of those resources based on country-wide indicators. The Act was responsive to need and based in evidence. The Act used gendered language (e.g., ‘pregnant and lactating women’ rather than people), and did not account for populations beyond women and children in programming. While the Act did not specifically reference FP, the emphasis on building stronger community health systems will have a cascading impact on the delivery of FP services. The Act moderately promoted SRHR in the FP domain.

2022_Memorandum on Addressing the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19

2022_Memorandum on the Establishment of the White House Task Force to Address Online Harassment and Abuse

2022_Memorandum on Presidential Determination with Respect to the Efforts of Foreign Governments Regarding Trafficking in Persons

This action reviewed which forms of U.S. foreign assistance could be received by other countries based on their compliance with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons, which was defined in the TVPA. The action stated that USG will not provide "nonhumanitarian, nontrade-related assistance"—which includes global health assistance—to specific countries that do not meet these minimum standards, with some exceptions to allow for global health funding, as well as "development assistance that directly addresses basic human needs" on a country-by-country basis. Like the previous year, this year’s action was not based in evidence or responsive to need. Cutting off global health assistance for these countries could pose a barrier for survivors of trafficking to receiving sexual and reproductive healthcare, including FP services. Its emphasis on compliance rather than entitlements, and its focus on carceral approaches was not aligned with international human rights principles. The action was gender blind, as it did not acknowledge the gendered prevalence of trafficking or the impact of these funding cuts on survivors. By leveraging global health assistance as a tool to coerce compliance with TVPA, this action moderately hindered SRHR in the FP domain.

2022_National Security Memorandum on Countering Biological Threats, Enhancing Pandemic Preparedness, and Achieving Global Health Security

The action focused on countering biological threats, advancing pandemic preparedness, and achieving global health security. Much of the action focused on national-level preparedness policies and strategies and did not specifically mention health and foreign policy beyond the need to align it with the Global Health Systems strategy. It was based in evidence and responsive to need. It was not explicitly aligned with human rights principles and was mostly gender blind. For instance, it did not acknowledge the gendered impacts of the kinds of threats mentioned in it. This action neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the FP domain.

2022_Presidential Memorandum to Promote Accountability for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

The action outlined USG efforts to combat CRSV, and promoted legal, policy, diplomatic, and financial solutions to deter future violence. These details indicated efforts to identify interventions beyond carceral solutions. The action was aligned with human rights principles and was responsive to need. It was gender accomodating rather than transformative as it acknowledged the impact of violence on women and children, but did not discuss the burden of violence faced by gender-diverse and sexually diverse people in conflict. Nonetheless, it demonstrated commitment to addressing GBV. The action moderately promoted SRHR in the FP domain.

2022_Strengthening Health Security Across the Globe: Progress and Impact of U.S. Government Investments in the Global Health Security Agenda

The action documented USG strategy for global health security with an emphasis on the following four areas: (1) marshaling political will, (2) developing global norms around quality of care and technical standards, (3) enhancing sustainable multilateral financing, and (4) strengthening capacities in partner countries. While the action was not explicitly based in human rights principles, it aligned to International Health Regulations, the Biological and Toxins Weapon Convention, UN Security Council Resolution 1540, and other international health conventions that are rights-based. It was responsive to need and based in evidence. The action was gender blind as it focused on supply-side interventions and did not mention gender. Despite FP being a core component of achieving global health security, there was no discussion of family planning in the action. The action neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the FP domain.

2022_U.S. Government Global Food Security Strategy FY22-26

This action updated the Global Food Security Strategy and charted a course towards reducing global poverty, hunger, and malnutrition in the face of COVID-19, climate change, growing conflict, and rising inequality. The strategy's overarching goal was to sustainably reduce global poverty, hunger, and malnutrition via the Feed the Future (the USG global hunger and food-security initiative) three objectives: (1) inclusive and sustainable agriculture-led economic growth, (2) strengthened resilience among people, communities, countries, and systems; and (3) a well-nourished population, especially among women and children. The action was aligned with human rights principles, responsive to need, and based in evidence. It demonstrated a commitment to inclusion as a cross cutting strategy, and recognised groups that need targeted intervention including, but not limited to “women and girls; persons with disabilities; LGBTQI+ people; displaced persons; migrants; Indigenous peoples and communities; youth; older persons; religious minorities; ethnic and racial groups; people in lower castes; and people of diverse economic classes and political opinions.” The updated strategy acknowledged links between improved nutrition and better overall health outcomes, and included updated indicators to reinforce this point. However despite the stated commitment to inclusion, the action was gender-aware at best, as it retained the focus on ‘pregnant women’ rather than ‘pregnant people’. The action neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the FP domain.

2022_U.S. Government Global Water Strategy 2022-2027

This action expanded on the White House Action Plan to ensure health, prosperity, stability, and resilience through sustainable and equitable water resources management, access to safe drinking water, sanitation services, and hygiene practices. The action was responsive to need and based in evidence. It acknowledged the links between water security and positive health outcomes. Sexual and reproductive health—including menstrual hygiene management—was not discussed. The action explored the gendered impact of water scarcity and its connections to GBV. It demonstrated a commitment to inclusion, as evidenced by its prioritization of access to “basic services for those who experience intersecting vulnerabilities arising from age, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, sex characteristics, religion, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, or other specific barriers.” The action moderately promoted SRHR in the FP domain.

2022_United States Government Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Congressional Report

The WPS Report provided Congress with an overview of progress made in implementing the WPS Agenda since the Biden-Harris administration interventions in 2021. The Report evaluated progress in advancing the WPS Strategy's four lines of effort across the Department of State, DoD, DHS, and USAID: participation, protection, internal capabilities, and partnerships. The Report was responsive to need, as it included GBV prevention and programming as a cross-cutting measure of progress towards achieving the WPS Agenda. The Report also emphasized the importance of evidence-based implementation and decision-making, and included specific and actionable milestones to measure progress, which was responsive to need. Improved health outcomes were included as a positive impact of implementing the WPS Agenda, but did not include a discussion on FP. The action neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the FP domain.

2022_United States Strategy to Combat Gender Based Violence Globally

The action updated earlier efforts “to advance equity and inclusivity and address the factors that increase the risks of gender-based violence and undermine access to services and safety, particularly for the most marginalized groups.” It was aligned with international human rights principles, responsive to need, and recognised the most recent evidence about addressing GBV. For instance, it acknowledged other at-risk, marginalized communities such LGBTQIA+ persons and boys and men as survivors of violence. It explored the rise of digital platforms and social media as drivers of violence, analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and examined links between climate change and violence. The action was gender transformative, as it not only offered a critical examination of gender norms and dynamics, but also committed to creating systems that reinforced this critique and broke cycles of violence. The action significantly promoted SRHR in the FP domain.

2022_United States Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability

The action affirmed U.S. intent to “strengthen fragile states “where state weakness or failure would magnify threats to the American homeland” and “empower reform-minded governments, people, and civil society'' in these states. The action was responsive to need and based in evidence, but was not aligned with human rights principles, it acknowledged the “gaps between men and women in conflict-affected areas” but did not substantively address any of the domains or cross-cutting themes such as GBV. The action neither promoted nor hindered SRHR in the FP domain.

TRANSPARENCY SCORE

TRANSPARENCY SCORE

White House

HIV & AIDS

Maternal and Child Health (MCH)

Family Planning (FP)