(Originally posted at Vivanista.com, the go-to community for philanthropic living and giving, where you can find philanthropy and fundraising resources and information.)
On May 11, 2010 leading humanitarian organization CARE gathered some of the most influential women from around the world to urge lawmakers to improve the lives of women and girls globally.
The conference agenda focused on three key issues:
1. Fighting global hunger with a global food security initiative
2. Protecting and empowering girls by preventing child marriage
3. Mothers matter: Protecting mothers and children from senseless deaths.
U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton joined actress and humanitarian Maria Bello, CARE advocate for Maternal Health Christy Turlington Burns, the first Ladies of Mozambique and Sierra Leone, humanitarian and author Malaak Compton Rock and nearly 1,000 other attendees to share knowledge and demand a world without poverty or oppression.
Secretary Clinton captivated the audience in an inspiring and powerful keynote address in which she presented solutions to CARE’s key issues, explained why ‘Caring is not enough’ and committed to getting results not measured in dollars but in lasting changes in people’s lives. The Secretary was one of the most highly anticipated and outstanding presenters of the day.
“She sets an ideal standard for all of us to follow as women”
– Gayle M. Anderson, Nevada commission of economic development.
But Secretary Clinton was not the only leader in attendance, the Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center was buzzing with influential women, politicians, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, community leaders and activists as young as 8 years old.
Below we have highlighted five of the leading ladies of CARE, with quotes they shared at the event as to why they are so passionate about CARE and women’s leadership.
Hilary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State
“Focus on women if you want lasting, measurable results.”
Secretary Clinton could have easily been a member of the CARE team as she endorsed their mission and advocated for CARE’s initiatives. “The women and men whom I’ve met who against the most daunting odds, have made a difference for their families and their communities and just didn’t know the meaning of the word impossible. Well, CARE has been on the front lines of that struggle for such a long time. And I so admire the work of this organization, its global mission, its can-do spirit, its fearlessness in the face of insurmountable odds.”
Helene Gayle, President and CEO of CARE USA
“When love and empathy intertwine with skills, one can conquer the world.”
Helene has dedicated her career to making sure that the building blocks of healthy, secure lives are available not only just to citizens of wealthy nations, but to people everywhere. As a doctor and a public health expert, she has significantly advanced the global fight against AIDS, she’s championed the critical issue of health, particularly women’s health, and she’s made CARE – a great organization – even greater. Helen Gayle believes in the mission of Care so much that she even turned down the opportunity to join Secretary Clinton’s initiative. No one better to describe Helene Gayle than Secretary Clinton herself “In fact, when I became Secretary of State, one of the very first people I reached out to was Helene. And I said, “Helene, do you have any interest in joining the Administration?” And she said, “Well, of course, I’m very excited about what can be done, but I care about CARE and I’m committed to CARE.”
Helene Gayle with Annie Vranizan
Malaak Compton Rock, Humanitarian and Author
“If it takes a village, build one”
In a conversation about ‘Doing Good in Tough Times’ Malaak Compton Rock asks attendees not to be shy, to take that first step and act. In order to create a global economy she believes we have to give what we can, and it does not necessarily have to be a monetary donation. Instead she suggests that you can lend your services to charity. If you’re a designer, florist, photography someone can benefit from these skills. In reference to leveling the playing field Mrs. Rock says “I can’t donate what Oprah donates, and Oprah can’t donate like Bill Gates, but we all have to donate and adjust to give proportionately to what we make.”
Madam Maria Da Luz Guebuza, First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique
“The lack of skilled health care practitioners can be the difference between life and death.”
Madam Maria spoke discussed the importance of ‘catalyzing a movement’ for providing health care and nutrition for mothers and children. She believes that “nutrition is the cornerstone of survival and general development of a nation.” It starts with pregnant mothers and the ability to provide for a healthy baby. If they are unable to do so, it can be a viscous cycle, which is why she is so passionate about the things that CARE, is doing to support the global community.
The Honorable Carolyn Maloney, U.S. House of Representatives
“The biggest way to make change is have a plan – Pass a bill! Start with something achievable, then go for something impossible.”
Representative Maloney plans is working to get a National Womens History Museum across from the National mall in Washington D.C. and she believes this is achievable by the end of 2010. She is also outraged that the U.S. has not joined The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and is lobbying to make this happen. Read more about CEDAW.
On behalf of Vivanista I am also proud to announce our first Cause of the Month – CARE. CARE empowers women as part of their efforts to fight poverty and combat widespread maternal mortality across the globe. Learn how we are empowering women with Care >>
Tracy Viselli 6:18 PM on February 21, 2010 Permalink
I’m so excited you’ll be there to present! I look forward to meeting you.