Bush, wife to host Dar summit on empowerment of women

BY THE GUARDIAN REPORTER

14th June 2013

Laura Bush

Former US President George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush are expected to host a summit on the crucial role of African first ladies in promoting women’s empowerment to be held in Dar es Salaam on July 2 and 3 this year.

In a statement issued in Dar es Salaam yesterday the US Embassy said African First Ladies from across the continent will gather at the George Bush Institute’s “Investing in Women: Strengthening Africa.”

The summit will focus on the important role First Ladies play in promoting women’s education, health and economic empowerment.

With support from ExxonMobil, the summit will bring together African First Ladies, government officials, private organisations, NGOs and academics to discuss best practices that can reap sustainable, replicable results, benefit women and strengthen society.

Featuring keynote addresses by former us president and his wife, the summit will include First Lady announcement and commitments and the opportunity to learn from experts in the fields of education, health and economic empowerment. It will spotlight success stories and provide follow-up services.
It said the advancing women’s economic empowerment, health and education is imperative to development because the inclusion and active participation of women in all areas of society increases stability and prosperity of countries.
Investing in women results in better outcomes for entire families, communities and nations.

The summit, organised by the Bush Institute, brings together government, private organisations, NGOs and academics.

Many African countries are committed to introducing critical interventions in education, health and economic opportunity led by First Ladies that will benefit women and strengthen society.

ExxonMobil partners with organisations to promote women's economic empowerment improve education and end deaths from malaria in developing countries. ExxonMobil is supporting the African First Ladies Summit and follow-up training sessions to implement new initiatives.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN