CEO of Kristine Pearson with former President Bill Clinton, announcing Lifeline Energy commitment
Written by Kristine Pearson
Former President Bill Clinton opened today’s session on Investing in Girls and Women by stating “Women perform 66 percent of the world’s work, and produce 50 percent of the food, yet earn only 10 percent of the income and own 1 percent of the property.” He continued to say “Whether the issue is improving education in the developing world, or fighting global climate change, or addressing nearly any other challenge we face, empowering women is a critical part of the equation.”
Shortly after President Clinton’s opening, we had the opportunity to announce our commitment to distribute self-powered Lifeline radios and new clean energy Lifelights to poor women and girls in Rwanda, which will directly benefit 20,000 people. The Lifelights will enable women to extend their business hours and the radios will enable the women and girls to access health, literacy, and practical skills, as well as agricultural advice.
Investing in Women and Girls panel
The session was moderated by Diane Sawyer and featured Robert B. Zoellick, President of The World Bank Group, Zainab Salbi, founder and CEO of Women for Women International, Rex Tillerson, Chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil and Lloyd C. Blankfein, Chairman and CEO of The Goldman Sachs Group.
