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I. INTRODUCTION
Compelling evidence shows that when done right, aid works. 1 Scrutiny of the U.S. Foreign Assistance program, however, has grown over recent years, with critics arguing that it is both inefficient and ineffective. Washington recently acknowledged such criticism and, in response, has embarked on the process of reform with the first ever Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review ("QDDR"). This Review sets forth a sweeping reform agenda for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development ("USAID").2 Although the reform process may be in motion, no comprehensive reform legislation has been enacted. The efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance is critical when looking at aid to the world's newest nation, South Sudan, which is "shaping up to be a critical test of America's ability to reform distant trouble spots." 3
Critics argue that America is failing that critical test.4 Consultants hired by the U.S. government urge that "American institution-building efforts are failing."5 Furthermore, a June 2010 report commissioned by USAID found capacity building efforts and other efforts in South Sudan to be critically flawed and unlikely to succeed.6
The United States must make foreign aid to South Sudan more efficient and more effective. This Note will argue that, consistent with USAID's purpose of "furthering America's interests while improving lives in the developing world," 7 focusing aid on empowering women through gender mainstreaming will make U.S. foreign aid to post-conflict South Sudan more efficient and effective. The first section will discuss background information of South Sudan and the U.S. Foreign Assistance program. The second section will analyze the deficiencies of the current U.S. Foreign Assistance program. The third section will examine why focusing aid on empowering women will make foreign aid to South Sudan more efficient and effective. The last section will propose that USAID integrate women's empowerment into its development efforts in South Sudan through gender mainstreaming and develop a Gender Mainstreaming Strategy for its developmental efforts in South Sudan.
II. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A. United States Foreign Assistance Program
Foreign assistance is a fundamental instrument of U.S. foreign policy.8 "USAID plays a vital role in advancing U.S. national security, foreign policy, and the War on Terrorism. It does so by addressing poverty fueled by lack of economic opportunity, one of...