US State Secretary John Kerry on Monday announced a 10-million-US dollar initiative to protect women and girls in conflicts and disasters worldwide.

This initiative, "Safe from the Start," is aimed to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in humanitarian emergencies worldwide, the State Department said in a statement.

The fund of "Safe from the Start" will allow the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other humanitarian agencies and organizations to hire specialized staff, launch new programs, and develop innovative methods to protect women and girls at the onset of emergencies around the world.

The United States will also coordinate with other donors and stakeholders to develop a framework for action and accountability, it said.