Washington:US President Joe Biden signed two executive orders aimed to promote gender equity and vowed "to ensure that every domestic and foreign policy we pursue rests on a foundation of dignity and equity for women".
"In our nation, as in all nations, women have fought for justice, shattered barriers, built and sustained economies, carried communities through times of crisis, and served with dignity and resolve," Xinhua news agency quoted Biden as saying on Monday after signing the orders.
"Too often, they have done so while being denied the freedom, full participation, and equal opportunity all women are due.
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"Their contributions have been downplayed. Their stories have been neglected. That is why International Women's Day is also a time for us to recommit ourselves to the cause of equity and equality for women the world over, and to shine a light on the systemic obstacles that fuel gender disparities and undermine women's potential," he said.
"It's forcing millions of more girls out of school, which could impact economic growth for decades to come. Incidents of violence against women in their homes and communities have spiked. And, as is so often the case, Covid-19 is hitting the poorest and most marginalised women the hardest."
The latest data revealed that the pandemic has hit women the hardest. Some 2.5 million women left the workforce in 2020 compared with 1.8 million men.
The Department of Labor's February jobs report last week found Black and Hispanic women showed the greatest declines in labour force participation.