Obama Names Ambassador for International Women’s Issues

Obama has created a new State Department position to be an ambassador for international women's issues.

The AFP reports: "Obama
named Melanne Verveer, an aide in former president Bill Clinton’s
administration, as ambassador-at-large for international women’s
issues. She will serve at the State Department under Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton."

The appointment "is
unprecedented and reflects the elevated importance of global women’s
issues to the president and his entire administration," the White House
said in a statement.

Melanne Verveer is co-founder and currently co-chief
executive officer of Vital Voices Global Partnership, an international
nonprofit that invests in emerging women leaders.

The AFP adds, Verveer "also served as
executive vice president of People for the American Way, a civil rights
and constitutional liberties organization, ‘where she played a key role
in the passage of several landmark civil rights bills,’ it said."