"A New Century: African Women, Health and the Future of Development"

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In honor of International Women's Day, Africare in partnership with Global Health & Diplomacy (GHD) and the United Nations Foundation (UNF), hosted a panel discussion and press conference focused on issues of health care, women and economic development in Africa and the developing world.

This event was scheduled to feature: Dr. Ida Odinga, the wife of Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass, a representative of the US Global Health Initiative, Ambassador Amina Salum Al of the African Union and United Nations Foundation's CEO, Kathy Calvin.

"Today we bring together, practitioners and leaders in the field of economic development, to discuss the future of development in Africa," commented Joanne Manrique, Editor and Chief of Global Health & Diplomacy (GHD). "And with any meaningful discussion of development it is essential that we look at strategies to empower women and give them access to the skills and tools necessary to left themselves and their countries out of poverty."

"Women play a central role in the world and in particular, Africa," said Kathy Calvin, CEO for the United Nations Foundation (UNF).  "Yet every day, women still face tremendous challenges such as access to quality healthcare, basic education, and safe environments.  The UN is our best ally in ensuring that we work with women and girls to improve every aspect of their lives."

"Africare understands that improving the condition of women is not just about the individual woman. It's also about changing the behavior and attitudes of men, key influencers and the communities women live in," explained Africare COO Diane White. "For the past 40 years, women have been the primary benefactors of Africare's work in areas such as healthcare, agriculture & food security and access to clean water.  This is because, while women make up half of the world's population they represent a shocking 70% of the world's poor."

SOURCE Africare

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