so the united states has made empowering women and girls a cornerstone of our foreign policy, because women's equality is not just a moral issue, it's not just a humanitarian issue, it is not just a fairness issue; it is a security issue. it is a prosperity issue and it is a peace issue ... give women equal rights, and entire nations are more stable and secure. deny women equal rights, and the instability of nations is almost certain. the subjugation of women is, therefore, a threat to the common security of our world and to the national security of our country.