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Women’s rights activist Dr. Vivian Pender to speak at Crossroads International’s Day of the Girl fundraising breakfast October 5th

Acclaimed American psychiatrist and women’s rights activist Dr. Vivian Pender will be the keynote speaker at Crossroads International’s Day of the Girl celebration breakfast on October 5th in Toronto. Dr. Pender will speak to the challenges faced by women and girls who are victims of violence informed by years of clinical experience as a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, as well her role as an activist addressing human trafficking and her work within the United Nations.

“Too many attitudes towards girls and women in all areas of the world are deeply destructive, not only to them, but to all of humanity,” Dr. Pender stated in the book that she edited and contributed to, The Status of Women: Violence, Identity and Activism. Dr. Pender will use her talk to explore the impact of these attitudes and how they can be changed.

Crossroads International is marking the United Nations International Day of the Girl Child (October 11th) in advance by expressing solidarity with women and girls who face unspeakable violations and rights abuses in Africa, where the organization works, and elsewhere in the world. The fundraising event on October 5th supports Crossroads International Girls’ Empowerment Program in Ghana, Swaziland and Togo that has reached more than 4,000 girls. As a result, more girls are reporting abuse and getting help, girls are staying in school and their academic performance is improving. In addition, there has been a marked reduction in teen pregnancies, one of the main barriers to girls’ access to education in these countries.

“Through the support of the empowerment clubs girls are raising their voices and asserting their rights,” says Crossroads International Executive Director Carine Guidicelli. “As we mark the Day of the Girl, we must celebrate this fact and work to raise girls’ voices everywhere.”

What: Crossroads International Day of the Girl breakfast featuring Dr. Vivian Pender
When: Thursday, October 5, 2017, 7:30 AM
Where: Ritz-Carlton, 2nd floor Ballroom. 181 Wellington St. W, Toronto, ON
Why: To raise funds in support of the empowerment of girls in Ghana, Togo, and Swaziland

About Crossroads International

Crossroads International is a leader in international cooperation and has been fighting inequality for almost 60 years. Crossroads works in some of the world’s poorest nations in Southern Africa, West Africa, and South America, with local partner organizations to create decent jobs and to empower women to become leaders and live free from violence. Every year, we engage experienced volunteers and staff North and South who apply their expertise locally to address global issues. Together we are leveraging knowledge, expertise and dollars to create a more just and equitable world.

For more information on the Day of the Girl breakfast event visit our event page.

To arrange an interview with Ms. Guidicelli (English or French) or Dr. Pender (English), please contact:

For more information, please contact:

Christopher Holcroft
Empower Consulting
416-996-0767
christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca

Crossroads International gratefully acknowledges the International Day of the Girl Breakfast sponsors, without them this event would not be possible.

Platinum sponsors: KIK CUSTOM PRODUCTS

Silver Sponsor – Norton McMullen LLP

Bronze Sponsor – Genus Fossil Free

Contributing Sponsors – BMO Global Asset Management, McKenzie Pitch Partners, Segal LLP, The Talent Co, Whirl Inc.

  

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