Scorecard of United States of America 2016-01-01 00:00:00

United States of America 2016
69.4

International Actions

38.3%
Security Council Actions

32.0%
Inclusion of WPS-sensitive Language in All Security Council Open Debates

Criteria100% of the statements made by a state during the Security Council open debates should include WPS-sensitive language.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America had 8 out of 25 Open Debates in 2016 where it made statements related to Women, Peace and Security.
Comment

WILPF/PeaceWomen themes covered:

General Women, Peace and Security: 3/25;

Conflict Prevention: 0/25;

Disarmament: 0/25;

Displacement and Humanitarian Response: 1/25;

Participation: 3/25;

Peace Processes: 2/25;

Peacekeeping: 0/25;

Protection: 5/25;

Reconstruction and Peacebuilding: 0/25;

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: 2/25;

Implementation: 1/25;

Justice, Rule of Law, SSR: 3/25;

Human Rights: 3/25.

S/PV.7658: "The Security Council’s active engagement remains absolutely vital in order to achieve real and tangible gains for women yearning to be included in peace processes, even as we recognize that we still have much work to do."

MethodologyThe number of debates in which a state has used WPS-sensitive language at least once out of a total number of all Security Council open debates per year.

0.0%
Inclusion of WPS-sensitive Language in the Security Council Open Debates on the Threats Caused by Terrorist Acts

Criteria100% of the statements made by a state during the Security Council thematic open debates should include WPS-sensitive language.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America had 0 out of 2 Open Debates on the threats caused by terrorist acts in 2016 where it made statements related to Women, Peace and Security.
MethodologyThe number of debates in which a state has used WPS-sensitive language at least once out of a total number of Security Council open debates on the threats caused by terrorist acts.

40.0%
Inclusion of WPS-sensitive Language in the Security Council Open Debates on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security

Criteria100% of the statements made by a state during the Security Council thematic open debates should include WPS-sensitive language.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America had 2 out of 5 Open Debates on the maintenance of international peace and security in 2016 where it made statements related to Women, Peace and Security.
Comment

WILPF/PeaceWomen themes covered:

General Women, Peace and Security: 0/5;

Conflict Prevention: 0/5;

Disarmament: 0/5;

Displacement and Humanitarian Response: 0/5;

Participation: 0/5;

Peace Processes: 0/5;

Peacekeeping: 0/5;

Protection: 1/5;

Reconstruction and Peacebuilding: 0/5;

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: 1/5;

Implementation: 0/5;

Justice, Rule of Law, SSR: 1/5;

Human Rights: 2/5.

S/PV.7847: "Thanks to the courageous work of Special Representative Bangura and her staff, the United Nations has incontrovertible proof that young women are bought, sold and horrifically abused on a daily basis. The United States appreciates the initiative of the United Kingdom in the pursuit of justice for Da’esh’s victims, and is working with it and Iraq to explore the best ways to hold Da’esh accountable, including gathering and preserving evidence of its crimes."

MethodologyThe number of debates in which a state has used WPS-sensitive language at least once out of a total number of Security Council open debates on the maintenance of international peace and security.

50.0%
Inclusion of WPS-sensitive Language in the Security Council Open Debates on the Protection of Civilians

Criteria100% of the statements made by a state during the Security Council thematic open debates should include WPS-sensitive language.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America had 1 out of 2 Open Debates on the Protection of Civilians in 2016 where it made statements related to Women, Peace and Security.
Comment

WILPF/PeaceWomen themes covered:

General Women, Peace and Security: 0/2;

Conflict Prevention: 0/2;

Disarmament: 0/2;

Displacement and Humanitarian Response: 0/2;

Participation: 0/2;

Peace Processes: 0/2;

Peacekeeping: 0/2;

Protection: 1/2;

Reconstruction and Peacebuilding: 0/2;

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: 0/2;

Implementation: 0/2;

Justice, Rule of Law, SSR: 0/2;

Human Rights: 0/2.

S/PV.7606: "Starving civilians, burning villages, sexually enslaving women: these are not the costs of war or the inevitable consequences of war; these are heinous, willful, barbaric acts."

MethodologyThe number of debates in which a state has used WPS-sensitive language at least once out of a total number of Security Council open debates on the protection of civilians.

100.0%
The Use of Veto

CriteriaA state should not apply its veto right.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

The United States used its veto right 0 times out of 2 vetoed draft resolutions in 2016.

Methodology100% - No veto right was used;
75% - A state uses its veto right in less than (or equals to) 50% of vetoed draft resolutions (no gender-sensitive language);
50% - A state uses its veto right in more than 50% of vetoed draft resolutions (no gender-sensitive language);
25% - A state uses its veto right in less than (or equals to) 50% of vetoed draft resolutions (with gender-sensitive language);
0% - A state uses its veto right in more than 50% of vetoed draft resolutions (with gender-sensitive language).

7.7%
Commitments Intended to Strengthen the Implementation of the WPS Agenda

CriteriaAll WILPF/PeaceWomen themes should be covered in the WPS commitments.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisIn its statements made at the 2016 Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, the United States of America covered the following WILPF/PeaceWomen themes:
General Women, Peace and Security
Conflict Prevention
Disarmament
Participation
Peace Processes
Protection
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Peacekeeping
Displacement and Humanitarian Response
Human Rights
Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform
Reconstruction and Peacebuilding
Implementation
Comment

The US allocated 31 million dollars to "new initiatives" in 2016

 

MethodologyThe number of WILPF/PeaceWomen themes emphasised in a statement identifies the final percentage received by a state

90.0%
Women, Peace and Security Financing

90.0%
Balance Between UN Women Total Contribution and Arms Sales Revenue

CriteriaTotal contribution to UN Women should increase overtime while Arms Sales Revenue should decrease overtime.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

Profit from Arms Transfer: $9,894,000,000
_________________________________
UN Women Total Contribution: $14,898,379

_________________________________

Comment

Profit from Arms Transfer in 2015: $10,184,000,000
________________________________________
UN Women Government Total Contribution: $9,333,858

MethodologyA grade varies depending on circumstances (i.e.: positive/negative consistency in spendings, ratio between the arms transfer revenue and the UN Women contribution, etc.):
UN Women Contribution increases; Arms Transfer Revenue decreases (90-100%);
UN Women Contribution increases; Arms Transfer Revenue does not change (79-89%);
UN Women Contribution does not change; Arms Transfer Revenue decreases (68-78%);
UN Women Contribution does not change; Arms Transfer Revenue does not change (57-67%);
UN Women Contribution decreases; Arms Transfer Revenue decreases (46-56%);
UN Women Contribution increases; Arms Transfer Revenue increases (35-45%);
UN Women Contribution decreases; Arms Transfer Revenue does not change (24-34%);
UN Women Contribution does not change; Arms Transfer Revenue increases (13-23%);
UN Women Contribution decreases; Arms Transfer Revenue increases (0-12%).

66.5%
International Gender and Human Rights Indicators

71.1%
Ranking via Gender Inequality Index (GII)

CriteriaA state should be ranked first in the Gender Inequality Index (GII).
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America were ranked 55 among 188 participating countries in 2016.
Comment

The United States was ranked 55th in 2015. 

**Note: Data is provided for 2015. Collection of the most recent data is underway. 

___________________________________

HDI (Human Development Index):
The United States was ranked 10.

The United States is included in the "Very High Human Development" category.

In the United States female financial specialists earn only 66 percent of what their male counterparts earn. For dentists the proportion is 74 percent, and for accountants 76 percent.

Methodology100% is received by a state that is ranked 1st; 0% is received by a state that is ranked last.

69.2%
Ranking via Global Gender Gap Index

CriteriaA state should be ranked first in the Gender Gap Index.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America were ranked 45 among 144 participating countries in 2016.
Methodology100% is received by a state that is ranked 1st; 0% is received by a state that is ranked last.

59.1%
Ratification of International Human Rights Treaties

CriteriaA state ratifies all international human rights gender-sensitive treaties.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America has signed and possibly ratified the following International Human Rights Treaties in 2016:
Universal Declaration of Human Rights - signed
Universal Declaration of Human Rights - ratified
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - signed
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - ratified
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights - signed
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights - ratified
Convention on Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age for Marriage and Registration of Marriages - signed
Convention on Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age for Marriage and Registration of Marriages - ratified
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women - signed
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women - ratified
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women - signed
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women - ratified
Protocol to Prevent, Supress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, to The Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime - signed
Protocol to Prevent, Supress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, to The Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime - ratified
Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others - signed
Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others - ratified
Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War - signed
Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War - ratified
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and Relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts (Protocol II) - signed
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and Relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts (Protocol II) - ratified
Arms Trade Treaty - signed
Arms Trade Treaty - ratified
Methodology100% is received by a state that has signed and ratified all International Human Rights Treaties. Ratification of a treaty provides a state with a full point; a signature (without ratification) provides a state with half of a point.
11 - 99-100%;
10 - 90%;
9 - 81%;
8 - 72%;
7 - 63%;
6 - 54%;
5 - 45%;
4 - 36%;
3 - 27%;
2 - 18%;
1 - 9%;
0 - 0%

65.4%
Peacekeeping Operations

30.8%
Contribution of Troops, Police and Military Experts

CriteriaThere should be equal participation of women and men in peacekeeping.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America provided 10 women out of 65 peacekeepers in 2016.
Comment

The United States provided female peacekeepers to MINUSCA (2 women), MINUSMA (2 women), MINUSTAH (2 women), MONUSCO (0 women), UNMIL (0 women), UNMISS (3 women), UNTSO (1 woman).

MethodologyConsidering that there should be equal participation of men and women in peacekeeping, a state that ensures 50% of its personnel are females receives 100%. Otherwise, a state earns a score that depends on the percentage of female personnel contributed by a state on the basis of the expected ratio.
Data is provided by the United Nations (Department of Peacekeeping Operations).

100.0%
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) Allegedly Committed by Peacekeepers

CriteriaThere should be a "zero tolerance" policy with respect to sexual exploitation and abuse.
Note*: Information on SEA is gathered based on publicly available information. Official statistics are available starting from 2015.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

Peacekeepers from the United States were involved in 0 out of 103 allegations against civilian, military, police and other peacekeeping personnel in 2016.

 

Comment

S/PV.7643: "All of us have a responsibility with respect to individuals who serve us overseas, in the same way that we have a responsibility within our own borders to ensure that these kinds of crimes are never carried out and that when they are carried out the perpetrators are held accountable."

MethodologyIn line with the UN "zero tolerance" policy, at least one allegation of sexual abuse provides a state with 0%.
states that have not been involved in the SEA allegations receives 100%.
National Actions

44.8%
Prevention

73.0%
Partnership Between Womens Civil Society Organisations and the Government

CriteriaThere should be a funded and governmentally-supported women's civil society landscape.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

Governmental support for women's civil society:

- Engagement in joint government/NGO efforts: Yes

- Funding provided by the government: Yes

The United States receives 73% because: 

Even though the government is engaged in collaboration with women's civil society, it does not provide adequate financial support to women's organisations, the number of projects and conferences on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in existence is low, civil society space for rights-focused activists (i.e.: racial equality and women's reproductive health-focused activism and advocacy) is increasingly limited, and mass-surveillance in accordance with national security and anti-terrorism efforts restricts civil society freedoms (i.e.: freedom of the press, freedom of public association).

Comment

Key women's organisation's (National Organisation for Women) efforts in regard to gender issues include the following:
- Number of conferences: 1 national annual conference, with 500 local and campus affiliates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia hosting numerous conferences and events per year;
- Social services provided: advocacy for reproductive rights and justice, economic justice, ending violence against women, racial justice, LGBTQ rights, and constitutional equality, training and education, lobbying and policymaking.

Types of social support provided:
Education: Yes
Anti-violence: Yes
Women's empowerment: Yes
Gender-related training: Yes
Political participation: Yes
Anti-human trafficking: No
Women's health: Yes
Lobbying and policymaking: Yes
Fundraising: Yes

Approximately 1.5 million NGOs operate in the United States. These NGOs undertake a wide array of activities, including political advocacy on issues such as foreign policy, elections, the environment, healthcare, women’s rights, economic development, and many other issues. Human services groups—such as food banks, homeless shelters, youth services, sports organisations, and family or legal services—composed over one-third of all public charities (35.5 percent).

The nonprofit sector contributed an estimated $905.9 billion to the US economy in 2013, composing 5.4 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Almost half (47.5 percent) of the total revenue for public charities came from fees for services and goods from private sources, the second largest proportion of public charities’ revenue came from fees from government sources, such as government contracts and Medicare and Medicaid payments, private charitable giving represented 13.3 percent of total revenues, and government grants represented another 8 percent. The remainder of revenue came from investment (4.8 percent) and other income (1.9 percent).

The USA hosted the following high-level events in 2016: - Gender Equality for Sustainable Infrastructure and Services, March 16 - Combatting the Trafficking of Women and Girls: What Role Can the Private Sector Play in Addressing and Preventing Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery? March 16 - Equity In and Through Tech: Moving from Conversation to Implementation March 21 - Empowering Muslim Women through Storytelling: A Roundtable Discussion - March 21 - Women of African Descent: Shaping Racial Identity- March 23
- Women Changing the World: Global Symposium 2016;
- National NOW Conference.

**Note: The information about the high-level events has been collected using available media sources.

MethodologyWhen there is both financial support from the government and active collabouration between the government and civil society, a state receives from 80% to 100% depending on circumstances (i.e.: positive/negative assessment; decrease/increase in the number of projects, etc.);

When there is either only financial support from the government or only active collabouration between the government and civil society, a state receives from 60% to 79% depending on circumstances (i.e.: positive/negative assessment; decrease/increase in the number of projects, etc.);

When there is neither financial support from the government nor active collabouration between the government and civil society and where there are no restrictions applied on womens organisation, a state receives from 40% to 59% depending on circumstances (i.e.: kinds of services provided by civil society, etc.);

When there is neither both financial support from the government nor active collabouration between the government and civil society and when government provides services for women, a state receives from 20% to 39% depending on circumstances (i.e.: positive/negative assessment; decrease/increase in the number of projects, etc.);

When there is neither financial support from the government nor active collabouration between the government and civil society and when there are several restrictions on civil society, a state receives from 0% to 19% depending on circumstances (i.e.: positive/negative assessment; decrease/increase in the number of projects, etc.).

60.0%
Special Gender-Specific Training of Security and Law Enforcement Personnel

CriteriaSpecial gender-specific training for law enforcement and security sector should exist.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America implemented the following training standards in 2016:
Assessment of gender-sensitive training is present
Overall training objective is gender sensitive
Gender parity among trainers and trainees
Women's organisations or gender-related societal leaders are engaged to provide contextual perspective on gender within the security sector
Follow-up communication and gender-related knowledge dissemination methods are established
Comment

Department of Defense Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2012-2017:
- "Goal 1: Ensure Leadership Commitment to an Accountable and Sustained Diversity Effort Develop structures and strategies to equip leadership with the ability to manage diversity, be accountable, and engender an inclusive work environment that cultivates innovation and optimisation within the Department."
- "Goal 3: Sustainability. Federal agencies shall develop structures and strategies to equip leaders with the ability to manage diversity, be accountable, measure results, re- fine approaches on the basis of such data, and engender a culture of inclusion."

Department of Defense Military Leadership Diversity Commission: "The Services should provide diversity leadership education and training, distinct from traditional forms of general diversity training, to service members at every level."

MethodologyThe criteria is determined in line with the UN Women guidelines (developed in partnership with the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) and the European Union).
5 - 100%
4 - 80%
3 - 60%
2 - 40%
1 - 20%
0 - 0%

46.2%
National Action Plan on the Implementation of UNSC Resolution 1325 bases on WPS Themes

CriteriaA state has implemented a 1325 National Action Plan. All WILPF/PeaceWomen themes should be covered.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America implements UNSC Resolution 1325 and covers following Peacewomen Themes 2016:
General Women, Peace and Security
Conflict Prevention
Disarmament
Participation
Peace Processes
Protection
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Peacekeeping
Displacement and Humanitarian Response
Human Rights
Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform
Reconstruction and Peacebuilding
Implementation
Comment

The USA NAP gives five objectives:
National Integration and Institutionalisation;
Participation in Peace Processes and Decision-making;
Protection from Violence;
Conflict Prevention;
Access to Relief and Recovery.

The NAP contains no allocated or estimated budget. Instead, each responsible department is required to resource the actions within existing budgets. The primary implementation agencies (Department of State, Defense and USAID) are required to submit fully resourced individual implementation plans.

The USA NAP is unique in setting a timeline for the three main departments in charge of implementation - Department of State, Department of Defense, and USAID – to develop their own departmental implementation plans. In August 2012 both State and USAID launched their organisational action plans. Moreover, the NAP mentions that the Interagency Policy Committee dedicated to Women, Peace and Security (WPS IPC) will later develop specific indicators for the purpose of monitoring implementation. Thus, the USA NAP comes across as relatively unspecific because it delegates issues to the future. (Miller, Pournik, & Swaine, 2014)

MethodologyThe grade is determined on the basis of a number of WILPF/PeaceWomen themes that are emphasized in a 1325 National Action Plan (NAP). A NAP that emphasizes all WILPF/PeaceWomen themes receives 100%.

0.0%
Balance between the 1325 National Action Plan (NAP) Budget and Military Expenditure.

CriteriaThe 1325 National Action Plan budget should increase overtime while military expenditure should decrease overtime.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

Military Expenditure: $611,000,000,000;
________________________________
The NAP contains no allocated or estimated budget.

Comment

Military Expenditure in 2015: $596,024,000,000
____
The NAP contains no allocated or estimated budget. Instead, each responsible department is required to resource the actions within existing budgets. The primary implementation agencies (Department of State, Defense and USAID) are required to submit fully resourced individual implementation plans.

MethodologyA grade varies depending on circumstances (i.e.: positive/negative consistency in spendings, ratio between the NAP budget and military expenditure, etc.):

NAP Budget increases; Military Expenditure decreases (90-100%)
NAP Budget increases; Military Expenditure does not change (79-89%)
NAP Budget does not change; Military Expenditure decreases (68-78%)
NAP Budget does not change; Military Expenditure does not change (57-67%)
NAP Budget decreases; Military Expenditure decreases (46-56%)
NAP Budget increases; Military Expenditure increases (35-45%)
NAP Budget decreases; Military Expenditure does not change (24-34%)
NAP Budget does not change; Military Expenditure increases (13-23%)
NAP Budget decreases; Military Expenditure increases (1-12%)
No NAP/No NAP Budget (0%)

64.3%
Participation

40.0%
Percentage of Women's Participation in Parliament

CriteriaThere should be equal participation of women and men in Parliament.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

Women made up 20.2% of Parliament.

Comment

Lower: 19.2%; 

Upper: 21.2%.

MethodologyConsidering that there should be equal participation of men and women in Parliament, a state that ensures 50% of its parliamentarians are females receives 100%. Otherwise, a state earns a grade that depends on the percentage of female parliamentarians employed by a state on the basis of the expected ratio.

70.0%
Percentage of Women's Participation in Ministerial Positions

CriteriaThere should be equal participation of women and men in ministerial positions.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

35% of ministerial positions were held by women.

Comment

Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): .35

MethodologyConsidering that there should be equal participation of men and women in the ministerial positions, a state that ensures 50% of its ministers are females receives 100%. Otherwise, a state earns a grade that depends on the percentage of female ministers employed by a state on the basis of the expected ratio.

52.0%
Percentage of Women's Participation in Law Enforcement

CriteriaThere should be equal participation of women and men in law enforcement
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

26.3% of law enforcement positions were held by women.*

*This data is from 2015, as the statistics from 2016 do not include gender-disaggregated data.

Comment

Total law enforcement officers: 913,161.

Only 11.6 % of the United States' 635,781 full time police officers were women, however 60% of the United States' 277,380 civilian officers were women.

MethodologyConsidering that there should be equal participation of men and women in law enforcement, a state that ensures 50% of its law enforcement agents are females receives 100%. Otherwise, a state earns a grade that depends on the percentage of female law enforcement agents employed by a state on the basis of the expected ratio.
Resources

"Full-time Law Enforcement Employees," U.S. Department of Justice

66.0%
Percentage of Women's Participation in the Judiciary

CriteriaThere should be equal participation of women and men in the judiciary.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

33% of judges in the United States were women.

Comment

United States Supreme Court:
3 women out of 8 seats (37.5%).

Circuit Court of Appeals:
60 women out of 170 active seats (35.3%).

MethodologyConsidering that there should be equal participation of men and women in the judiciary, a state that ensures 50% of its judges are females receives 100%. Otherwise, a state earns a grade that depends on the percentage of female judges employed by a state on the basis of the expected ratio.

66.0%
Percentage of Women's Participation in the Labour Force

CriteriaWomen should have equal access to employment opportunities.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

Women's labour participation rate was 66%.

 

Comment

Unemployment rate (percentage of female/male labour force):
Female: 4%
Male: 4%

Estimated earned income (PPP US$):
Female: 43,122
Male: 66,338
Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 1

Legislators, senior officials, and managers (%):
Female: 43, Male: 57
Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 0.77

Professional and technical workers (%):
Female: 57, Male: 43
Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 1.33

MethodologyData collected from the Gender Gap Index (GGI) on the basis of its methodology.

91.8%
Access to Education

CriteriaThere should be equal access to all levels of education.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

Enrollment in primary education: 93%

Enrollment in secondary education: 92%

Enrollment in tertiary education: 101%

 

Comment

The enrollment difference between males and females is provided below (The theoretical maximum value is 100%. Increasing trends are considered a reflection of improving coverage at the specified level of education):

Literacy rate (%):
Female: 99
Male: 99
Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 1

Enrollment in primary education (%):
Female: 93
Male: 93
Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 1.01

Enrollment in secondary education (%):
Female: 92
Male: 89
Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 1.03

Enrollment in tertiary education (%):
Female: 101
Male: 76
Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 1.37

MethodologyData collected from the Gender Gap Index (GGI) and UNESCO, developed on the basis of their respective methodologies.

90.9%
Protection

77.8%
Presence of Gendered Perspective in Legal Framework

CriteriaGender should be mainstreamed throughout legal framework in accordance with the international law.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis Legal framework in the United States of America includes the following gender-sensitive laws and constitutional provisions in 2016:
Women and men are guaranteed the rights to vote, to hold public office, and to exercise public functions
Gender perspective incorporated into the constitution
Women and men are guaranteed the right to non-discrimination in education, employment and economic, and social activities
Women and men are guaranteed full equality in civil and business matters
Women and men are guaranteed equal rights and obligations with regard to choice of spouse, parenthood, personal rights, and command over property
Women and men are guaranteed reproductive rights
Women and men are guaranteed equal pay for equal work
Women and men are guaranteed the right to live lives free from violence
Gender sensitive laws and constitutional previsions
Comment

Legal Framework:
Equal Pay Act, 1963;
Civil Rights Act, 1964;
The affirmative action policy of 1965 was expanded in 1967 to cover women as well as racial minorities;
Roe v. Wade, 1973;
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission;
Sex-segregated job advertisements were declared illegal by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (1968), upheld by the Supreme Court in 1973;
Title IX of the Education Amendment, 1972;
1986, in the decision of Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson, sexual harassment was established as illegal and discriminatory;
The Family Medical Leave Act, 1993;
Violence Against Women Act, 1994;
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, 2009.

Presence a non-discrimination by sex clause in the constitution of the United States of America:
- The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. (Amendment XIX).

The U.S. Constitution does not guarantee equal rights for women.
 

Methodology8 - 100%
7 - 87.5%
6 - 75%
5 - 62.5%
4 - 50%
3 - 37.5%
2 - 25%
1 - 12.5%
0 - 0%

Necessary legal framework is determined in accordance with the principles of the core human rights treaties (i.e.: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and political Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)).

85.7%
Access to Justice

CriteriaWomen's unrestricted access to justice exists.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis The following protections are guaranteed by the United States of America in 2016:
Equal access to formal legal dispute systems and the right to legal representation
Non-discrimination law
Existence of courts and judicial bodies
Financial affordability of access to legal proceedings and/or legal aid
Free access to an interpreter during legal proceedings
Victim protection
Existence of gender units within justice institutions
Comment

Legal Framework:
Equal Pay Act, 1963;
Civil Rights Act, 1964;
The affirmative action policy of 1965 was expanded in 1967 to cover women as well as racial minorities;
Roe v. Wade, 1973;
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission;
Sex-segregated job advertisements were declared illegal by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (1968), upheld by the Supreme Court in 1973;
Title IX of the Education Amendment, 1972;
1986, in the decision of Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson, sexual harassment was established as illegal and discriminatory;
The Family Medical Leave Act, 1993;
Violence Against Women Act, 1994;
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, 2009.

Presence of gender perspective in the constitution of the United States of America:
- The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. (Amendment XIX).

MethodologyThe necessary protections represent the CEDAW standard on women's access to justice.
7 - 100%
6 - 85%
5 - 70%
4 - 55%
3 - 40%
2 - 25%
1 - 10%
0 - 0%"

100.0%
Protections Against Human Trafficking

CriteriaA state should be in compliance with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America in 2016 is in:
Complete compliance with the minimum standards
Partial compliance with the minimum standards
Non-compliance with the minimum standards
Comment

The U.S. government fully complies with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. The federal government continued to investigate and prosecute both sex and labour trafficking, sustaining high prosecution rates. It also continued to provide various types of specialised services to a greater number of trafficking victims, as well as various types of immigration relief for foreign national victims, including a pathway to citizenship. Prevention efforts included amendment of the Federal Acquisition Regulation to strengthen protections against trafficking in federal contracts. Challenges remain: some NGOs continued to express concern that government officials did not consistently take a victim-centreed approach. Some trafficking victims, including those under the age of 18 years, were detained or prosecuted by state or local officials for criminal activity related to their being subjected to trafficking, notwithstanding “safe harbour” laws in some states or the federal policy that victims should not be penalised solely for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being subjected to trafficking.

MethodologyAdherence is measured in accordance with the “Palermo Protocols” and grading system developed by the US state Department’s annual report on trafficking in persons.
Full compliance: 100%
Partial Compliance: 50%
Non-Compliance: 0%

100.0%
Protections Against Sexual Violence.

CriteriaA state should be in compliance with minimum standards for the elimination of sexual violence.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America in 2016 has the following services in place:
Existence of a law against sexual violence
Governmental efforts to eliminate sexual violence nationally
Existence of a national crisis hotline
Existence of women's shelters
Existence of women's rape crisis centres
Comment

Most reliable information based on point-in-time census counts on one specific day each year, with research focusing on victims/survivors helped rather than specific numbers of shelters/centres.

Number of women's shelters: 1,894

MethodologyThe standard is derived from the CEDAW and Istanbul Convention.
5 - 100%
4 - 80%
3 - 60%
2 - 40%
1 - 20%
0 - 0%

95.0%
Recovery Support

80.0%
Implementation of Dedicated Programmes Serving the Needs of Veterans

CriteriaDedicated programmes for female veterans should be in place.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America in 2016 provides the following services:
Female veterans affairs offices exist in urban and rural areas
Economic benefits (i.e. disability, housing) exist
Health service benefits (i.e. free veterans health insurance, gender-sensitive PTSD care) exist
Educational benefits exist
Employment services exist
MethodologyThe standard is determined in line with the international concept of the responsibility to protect. A state receives a full point only when it is in full compliance with the determined obligation.
5 - 100%
4 - 80%
3 - 60%
2 - 40%
1 - 20%
0 - 0%

100.0%
Implementation of Dedicated Programmes to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence

CriteriaDedicated programmes for survivors of sexual violence should be in place.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America in 2016 provides the following services:
National crisis hotline
Women's shelters
Women's rape crisis centres
Counseling services
National sex-offender list or website
Support groups for victims/survivors
MethodologyThe standard is determined in line with the CEDAW, Istanbul Convention and Beijing Platform for Action. A state receives a full point only when it is in full compliance with the determined obligation.
6 - 100%
5 - 83%
4 - 66%
3 - 49%
2 - 32%
1 - 15%
0 - 0%.

100.0%
Implementation of Dedicated Programmes to Support Survivors of Human Trafficking

CriteriaDedicated programmes for urvivors of human trafficking should be in place.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America in 2016 provides the following services:
Human trafficking hotline
Human trafficking shelter
Basic necessities (food, clothing, housing, etc.)
Health services
Legal services
Job training programmes
Educational services
Comment

There is a shelter crisis for trafficking victims in the United States. The Home Foundation estimates that there are less than 100 beds nationally for an estimated 100,000 annually identified trafficking victims. Placing trafficking victims in existing homeless or domestic violence shelters is not an adequate solution due to the unique needs of this population.

MethodologyThe standard is determined in line with Palermo Protocol and Beijing Platform for Action. A state receives a full point only when it is in full compliance with the determined obligation.
7 - 100%
6 - 85%
5 - 70%
4 - 55%
3 - 40%
2 - 25%
1 - 10%
0 - 0%

100.0%
Implementation Dedicated Programmes to Support Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)

CriteriaDedicated programmes for refugees, asylum seekers, and IDPs should be in place.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United States of America in 2016 provides the following services:
State refugee/IDP strategy exists
Basic necessities (food, clothing, housing, etc.) are provided
Health services are available
Legal services are available
Job training programmes are available
Educational services are available
Community engagement/integration programmes are available
Comment

Like France and the United Kingdom, the United States have a long tradition of offering asylum to foreign refugees. When UNHCR refers a refugee applicant to the United States for resettlement, the case is first received and processed by a Resettlement Support Center (RSC). The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) funds and manages nine RSCs around the world, operated by international and nongovernmental organisations and one U.S. interests section. Under PRM’s guidance, the RSCs prepare eligible refugee applications for U.S. resettlement consideration.

From the date of arrival, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) provides short-term cash and medical assistance to new arrivals, as well as case management services, English as a Foreign Language classes, and job readiness and employment services – all designed to facilitate refugees’ successful transition in the U.S., and help them to attain self-sufficiency.

Organisations such as the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants also supports the new-comers in their new city, helping them getting jobs and integrating them in their local community.

MethodologyThe standard is determined in line with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recommendations. A state receives a full point only when it is in full compliance with the determined obligation.
7 - 100%
6 - 85%
5 - 70%
4 - 55%
3 - 40%
2 - 25%
1 - 10%
0 - 0%