; (3) a growing body of evidence confirms that the inclusion of women in peace processes helps reduce conflict and advance stability long-term; and (4) the involvement of women in efforts to bring about peace and security lead to more sustainable results; Whereas, in June 2016, the Department of State released an update to the strategy entitled United States Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally , based on internal evaluations, lessons learned, and consultations with civil society, that underscores that preventing and responding to gender-based violence is a cornerstone of the United States Government's commitment to advancing human rights and promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls ; Whereas the ability of women and girls to realize their full potential is critical to the ability of a country to achieve— (1) strong and lasting economic growth; and (2) political and social stability; Whereas, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization— (1) 2/3 of the 778,000,000 illiterate individuals in the world are female; and (2) 130,000,000 girls worldwide are not in school; Whereas, according to the United States Agency for International Development, as compared to uneducated women, educated women are— (1) less likely to marry as children; and (2) more likely to have healthier families; Whereas, although the United Nations Millennium Project reached the goal of achieving gender parity in primary education in most countries in 2015, more work remains to be done to achieve gender equality in primary education worldwide by addressing— (1) discriminatory practices; (2) cultural norms; (3) inadequate sanitation facilities; and (4) other factors that favor boys; Whereas, according to the United Nations, women have access to fewer income earning opportunities and are more likely to manage the household or engage in agricultural work than men, making women more vulnerable to economic insecurity caused by— (1) natural disasters