ACDI/VOCA Marks Commitment to Gender

WASHINGTON, March 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On March 8, International Women's Day, ACDI/VOCA will mark its commitment to gender equity, women's empowerment and inclusive economic development with multiple events in Washington and overseas.

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"With their important economic roles, especially in agriculture but in other sectors too, women are key drivers of growth in emerging market countries," says ACDI/VOCA President Carl Leonard. "And when one takes into consideration their critical household and community roles, it is clear that further investment in, commitment to and empowerment of women will yield powerful development dividends."

ACDI/VOCA Invests in Gender Approaches

ACDI/VOCA's worldwide network of more than 20 gender specialists and champions is a testament to the organization's dedication to gender equality and female empowerment.

"ACDI/VOCA views gender equality as a crucial goal," Global Gender Advisor Lindsey Jones says, "but beyond that it's a necessary means for reducing global poverty and food insecurity, since a gender approach leads to better results for all, including men and boys.

"Our colleagues see the benefits of closing gender equality gaps and empowering women on the ground. They are dedicated to empowering both women and men with the information, technologies, resources and confidence they need to drive change in their own communities, economies and households."

See http://www.acdivoca.org/site/ID/our-work-gender-equity for more information about ACDI/VOCA's comprehensive gender approach.

March 8 Events Are Worldwide

The scope of ACDI/VOCA's Women's Day events suggests the organization's regard for the issue as well as the progress being made in many nations to improve women's lives.

At its headquarters office, an afternoon gender awareness event will feature the presentation of the second annual ACDI/VOCA Awards for Advancing Gender Equity. A video set in India will be launched, and an online interview with USAID's Senior Gender Advisor Caren Grown will be aired. The event will conclude with a reception for staff and guests featuring video kiosks.

Overseas, eight ACDI/VOCA field offices will host a range of events to showcase gender activities. In Bangladesh a poster is being published, in Ghana a cooking competition will promote nutrition, in Kenya a gender mapping project will be launched and in Zimbabwe a small-ruminant livestock and poultry auction will be held.

In Mali new U.S. Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard will attend an event sponsored by our Agriculture Development Systems Activity, which has a gender component, and help present awards to recognize outstanding work in gender. Local students will perform a drama highlighting gender and community issues.

See http://www.acdivoca.org/site/ID/news-International-Womens-Day-Events-2012 for details on these plans as well as how ACDI/VOCA is observing International Women's Day in Ethiopia, India and Paraguay.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Carl Leonard
http://www.profnetconnect.com/carl_leonard

Contact:
Charrose King
1-202-688-4719
[email protected]

SOURCE ACDI/VOCA