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CARE's 2011 Conference & International Women's Day Celebration To Bring Together Leaders in Global Health, Politics & Media

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Over the past century, women have broken through barriers to achieve political, economical and social advances never before imagined. Yet, there are still many places where a person's gender defines their ability to reach their full potential. To celebrate the accomplishments of women and recognize the challenges they still face, leading humanitarian organization CARE will celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day by kicking off its annual conference. The annual event, March 8 - 10th, 2011 will unite hundreds of CARE supporters -- individuals, partner organizations, donors and corporate partners -- to recognize the work of women who have made a difference during the past century, and speak out on behalf of women and girls worldwide.

The three-day event gets underway on the evening of March 8th -- International Women's Day -- with a Diplomatic Reception hosted by Her Excellency Meera Shankar, the Ambassador of India, at her residence. An action-packed day follows, with advocates learning about a range of CARE's work and issues, including panels on social entrepreneurship, aid effectiveness and gender norms. Participants will also hear from notables such as CARE President and CEO Helene Gayle, Melinda Gates, Co-chair and Trustee of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Former First Lady Laura Bush and Judy Woodruff of PBS' NewsHour. In addition, overseas staff from nearly 40 CARE countries, from Egypt to Afghanistan, will participate in the conference and share their unique in-country perspective.

"CARE is thrilled about the incredible line up of women champions representing a broad spectrum of society that are participating in this year's conference," said Dr. Gayle. "Melinda Gates is one of the most generous and passionate supporters of development work around the globe. Laura Bush has been a consistent and powerful advocate for education, health care and human rights since her days as a second grade teacher in Dallas, Texas. And Judy Woodruff has been navigating the world of politics in her more than four decades in news media. In their own unique ways, these champions are defining the power of women in our world today."

As a global poverty-fighting organization with 65 years of experience, CARE is well aware of the important role that thoughtful programming, effective U.S. policy, vocal advocacy and funding play in the fight against global poverty. During this inspiring three-day conference, hundreds of advocates will gather at the Washington Hilton to discuss pressing global poverty issues, such as the importance of foreign aid, quality education for girls and economic opportunities for women. On March 10, advocates will take these messages to Capitol Hill where they will meet with Members of Congress and take an active role in influencing U.S. policy to improve the lives of millions of marginalized women and girls around the world.

"As we celebrate the achievements women have made during the last century, we must not forget that even today, women and girls are the largest group facing marginalization in the world," added Dr. Gayle. "We cannot advance as a planet and a people when half the world's population is kept from reaching their potential and denied the opportunity to contribute to society. By joining together in Washington, D.C., CARE advocates will be giving voice to millions in need and galvanizing policymakers to act on critical legislation that will have a real impact on those living in poor communities."

For more information on the CARE National Conference and Celebration, visit www.carenationalconference.org. To receive press credentials, contact Julie Bernstein (jbernstein@care.org or (202) 595-2832) or Niki Clark (nclark@care.org or (202) 595-2830).

About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE places special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve education, health and economic opportunity. To learn more, visit www.care.org.

SOURCE CARE