IWPR Statement—We applaud the Biden administration’s establishment of the Council for Gender Policy and the appointments of Jennifer Klein, Chief Strategy and Policy Officer, Times Up and Julissa Reynoso Pantaleón, Chief of Staff to Dr. Jill Biden to co-lead the office.

Employing an intersectional framework, the Council will work across the federal government to advance policies and programs that center Black, Indigenous, and women and girls of color, immigrant women and girls, LGBTQ women and girls, and women and girls with disabilities.

The Council and appointments signal the new administration’s commitment to gender equity and equality, and an understanding of the deeply entrenched institutional and structural barriers to women’s advancement in society, in the workplace, and in the home. The Council’s formation and intersectional lens is unprecedented in previous administrations. IWPR believes this bold action early in the new administration underscores their understanding of the stakes for women in this moment.

“Jennifer Klein and Julissa Reynoso Pantaleón are incredible leaders. We at IWPR look forward to working with them and the larger women’s community to advance an agenda that will build women’s power and influence in society, accelerate the closing of the pay gap, strengthen our care infrastructure, protect and defend women’s reproductive freedom and autonomy, and help end sexual violence and harassment, among many other issues.” said C. Nicole Mason, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.

“Under the Trump administration, we saw many of the gains made by women slip away or be challenged at the federal and state levels. Given the disproportionate impact of the COVID-fueled recession on women, particularly on women of color, in partnership with the Council, we have an opportunity to create policies that reflect our values and that will create a more just and equitable society and world.”

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