Panelists speaking
Women are essential in international development. Empowering women through food, agriculture, health care, education and finance results in better lives for everyone.
St. Cloud State Univeristy President Robbyn Wacker and U.S. Representative Tom Emmer were among the guests for a discussion in honor of International Women’s Day March 21 on the current challenges of food security and the role of women and innovation from a panel of experts focused on change.
“Mothers play a pivotal role in a child’s development, and even more so to a community’s overall well-being. Their strength can carry those around them, which is why we must advocate for policies that empower them,” Emmer said. “I am proud to partner with organizations like CARE that ensure the global food crisis is being addressed, and that women and children have the access they need to build healthy, strong lives.”
Other guests included Tonya Rawe, director of Global Food and Nutrition Security Advocacy for CARE, Meredith Kos, director of Impact for Partners in Food Solutions, Louise Iverson, senior Program Manager of the General Mills Foundation and Mark Ritchie, president of Global Minnesota.
“Women have always been the leaders in food production, continuously adapting and innovating to meet changing conditions and new challenges. This leadership role of women remains the ‘secret sauce’ for all successful economic and social development,” Ritchie said.
Minnesota International NGO Network hosted a reception prior to the program.
The forum was sponsored by CARE, Global Minnesota, Minnesota International NGO Network and St. Cloud State University.
