Gender Policy Council (E.O. 14020)

Summary

Creates a council in the White House to lead a government-wide effort to promote equal rights and opportunities for all, regardless of gender.

What problem does this solve?

The government lacked a unified plan to address gender inequality, which harms human rights, the economy, and health. This order creates a central council to develop and carry out a national strategy for gender equity.

What does this order do?

Establishes the White House Gender Policy Council

Creates a new council within the Executive Office of the President to coordinate government efforts on gender equity and equality.

Mandates a government-wide strategy

Requires the Council to develop and present a national strategy to the President for promoting gender equity in the U.S. and around the world.

Defines council's duties

Tasks the Council with fighting discrimination, increasing economic security for women, addressing caregiving needs, and preventing gender-based violence.

Creates a plan to end gender-based violence

Directs the creation of a National Action Plan to establish a government-wide approach for preventing and addressing gender-based violence.

Outlines council membership

Specifies that the Council will include many cabinet secretaries and senior White House advisors, ensuring high-level participation from across the government.

Who does this affect?

Women and girls
LGBTQ+ persons
Underserved communities

What is the real world impact?

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Centralizes gender policy efforts

Creates a single, high-level council within the White House to coordinate all federal work on gender equality, ensuring it is a priority across all government agencies.

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Addresses systemic inequality

Aims to tackle deep-rooted biases and barriers that affect women, girls, and other underserved groups in areas like the economy, healthcare, and education.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately as of March 8, 2021, and sets several deadlines for government agencies.

Designation of Agency Coordinators

Within 30 days of the order (by April 7, 2021), each agency must name a senior official to coordinate with the Council.

Submission of Government-Wide Strategy

Within 200 days of the order (by September 24, 2021), the Council must develop and submit its national strategy to the President.

Agency Progress Reports

After the strategy is submitted, agencies must report their progress to the Council every six months.