Trump team seeks to ease fears on women's programs at State Department
WASHINGTON _ Donald Trump's transition team said Friday its requests to the State Department for details on positions and funding for global women's programs were part of an effort to "ensure and protect" gender equality.
The statement appeared to be an attempt to allay concerns that Trump might seek to cancel or roll back gender-focused programs at the State Department following a request by the transition team Wednesday for information about them.
Most were created or championed by Trump's campaign rival, Hillary Clinton, when she served as secretary of state during President Barack Obama's first term.
The transition team statement Friday did not outline Trump's plans for the programs, which seek to promote equality, education and vocational training for women around the world as well as combat gender-based violence.
"President-elect Trump will ensure the rights of women across the world are valued and protected," the statement said.
"To help fulfill this promise, the transition team inquired about existing programs at the State Department that helps (sic) foster gender equality, ends gender-based violence, and promotes economic and political participation _ finding ways to improve them."
_Tribune Washington Bureau
