U.S.-MEXICO SIGN AGREEMENT ON GENDER EQUALITY

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

United States-Mexico Sign Agreement to Collaborate in Promoting Gender Equality
Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

September 18, 2012

Today, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs Patricia Espinosa signed the U.S.-Mexico Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Promotion of Gender Equality, the Empowerment of Women and Women’s Human Rights prior to the Merida Initiative High-Level Consultative Group meeting.

This MOU demonstrates the U.S. and Mexican commitment to full integration of gender equality into our bilateral relationship. It recognizes the essential role women play as agents of change in society as well as their contributions to the economic development, democratic institutions, citizen security, and prosperity of both nations.

The United States and Mexico agreed to cooperate on gender equality efforts and initiatives in a number of key areas, including but not limited to:

1. Promoting economic empowerment and opportunity for women and girls;

2. Promoting social development that supports gender equality;

3. Strengthening citizen security, with a particular focus on women and girls;

4. Promoting increased access to justice.

The MOU reflects Secretary Clinton and the Department of State’s commitment to integrating the advancement of women and girls fully into the formulation and conduct of U.S. foreign policy.