Clinton Global Initiative Recognizes CEDPA

September 24, 2007—When 1,000 global leaders come together Sept. 26-28 at the Clinton Global Initiative meeting to devise pioneering solutions to the world’s most pressing problems, they will hear from CEDPA about proven strategies to advance girls’ education and improve safe motherhood.

Each year, the Clinton Global Initiative joins presidents and prime ministers with businesses, non-profit organizations and foundations to tackle challenges in global health, education, poverty alleviation and climate change.

In its first two years, the Clinton Global Initiative has launched nearly $10 billion in commitments by investors, companies and foundations to advance global development. The initiative was founded by former U.S. president William J. Clinton, and is held in New York City during the annual UN General Assembly session.

Girls face obstacles to completing their education including pressures to marry early, earn an income and care for their family.

This year’s attendees will include a broad spectrum of political leaders, from U.S. Congresswoman Nita Lowey to the health minister of Afghanistan and the president of Malawi. Leading foundations and corporations will discuss their investments in health and development, and global agencies will offer their expertise in improving lives.

CEDPA’s Aparajita Gogoi will also attend and highlight efforts to improve maternal health in India, where more women die in pregnancy and childbirth than in any country in the world.

CEDPA has worked to advance girls’ education since 1987, adapting its non-formal education model to varying country contexts to enable girls to reach their full potential. CEDPA’s approach taps parents, local leaders, and cultural and religious institutions to build community support for girls to go to school and stay in school. With an emphasis on practical life skills, the program covers topics such as HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, nutrition and hygiene, and family relations.

Improving maternal and reproductive health has been at the core of CEDPA’s work since its founding in 1975. In India, CEDPA helped form the White Ribbon Alliance in 1999, and has led grassroots and media campaigns that have reached hundreds of millions throughout India with messages on actions needed to prevent maternal deaths.

During the Clinton Global Initiative, CEDPA will share these program successes and help craft strategies with other leaders so that education and safe motherhood can be a reality throughout the world.

Watch the Clinton Global Initiative Webcast online.
Learn more about CEDPA’s girls’ education programs.

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