U.S. foreign policy often claims to champion democracy, freedom, and human rights. But what truly drives decisions on the global stage? This question was at the heart of a recent panel discussion titled “The Global Impact of U.S. Foreign Policy on Human Rights” at the annual National Young Feminist Leadership Conference hosted by GCE-US Member Girls Learn International. 

Featuring Giulia McPherson of GCE-US and moderated by Makhfi Azizi, Director of the Campaign for Afghan Women and Girls at the Feminist Majority Foundation, the panel delved into the intricate balance between humanitarian concerns, foreign aid, economic interests, and national security in shaping U.S. engagement abroad. Other notable speakers included Dr. Tarah Demant of Amnesty International USA and Beirne Roose-Snyder of The Council for Global Equality. 

The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by 251 million children out of school globally, half of whom—122 million—are girls. While progress has been made, with more children in school and rising completion rates, barriers such as crisis and conflict, discrimination, child marriage, and poverty continue to disproportionately affect girls. 

In FY23, U.S. basic education programs reached 44 million learners, including 19.4 million young women and girls. These initiatives included cash transfers for school supplies, mentoring programs, teen magazines, school debates, radio broadcasts, and flexible learning pathways. Such efforts aim to empower girls through financial literacy, life skills, mentorship, and civic action. 

However, the foreign aid freeze under the Trump Administration has led to a significant de-prioritization of gender-focused programs across all sectors, including foreign assistance. The Administration also withdrew support for United Nations platforms like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since January, over 80 percent of USAID programs have been terminated, with humanitarian interventions taking precedence. 

At the conference, more than 70 young people from across the U.S. engaged in discussions about bipartisan collaboration, countering democratic backsliding, and ways to get involved. GCE-US emphasized the importance of advocating for these issues by engaging with members of Congress and speaking out. 

GCE-US extends its heartfelt gratitude to the organizers of the event for creating a platform to amplify critical conversations and for including its voice in the dialogue. Together, these efforts inspire hope for a future where education, equity, and human rights remain at the forefront of global priorities.