Women for Women International Officers Speak at 2009 Clinton Global Initiative University

Christine Karumba, Country Director of the Democratic Republic of the Congo after speaking at the Clinton Global Initiative University.

Austin, TX - February 14, 2009 - Women for Women CEO Zainab Salbi and DRC Country Director Christine Karumba spoke at the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI-U) conference held in Austin, TX. 

Building on the model of the Clinton Global Initiative, which brings together world leaders to take action on global challenges, President Clinton launched the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) in 2007 to engage the next generation of leaders on college campuses around the world. 

Nearly one thousand students came together in Austin to make a difference in CGI U’s five focus areas: Education, Energy & Climate Change, Global Health, Peace & Human rights, and Poverty Alleviation.

Speaking on poverty alleviation and the need to continue doing international humanitarian and development work even in the context of the global economic crisis, Salbi emphasized that even in lean times, great things are possible.  “When I started Women for Women I had not a penny, but we were able to succeed.  I believe to the absolute core of my being that even individuals who have nothing can change the world.”  Salbi underscored the idea that every dollar counts in times of need—the $27 that sponsor a woman survivor of war goes a long way to help a woman meet her family’s food, shelter and other basic needs.

Zainab Salbi spoke about poverty alleviation and the need to continue doing international humanitarian and development work even in the context of the global economic crisis.

In the peace and human rights track, Karumba reported on Women for Women International programs working to empower women survivors of war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  

Humanitarian and development projects need to reach grassroots populations, said Karumba, “women are community pillars but have the biggest challenges.  If you develop women, you stabilize families and communities.”  Karumba discussed program efforts to educate women on their rights to be physically and psychologically well, to be protected from rape and physical harm, to earn an income, to be decision-makers in the family and community. 

A focus on empowering women must simultaneously engage men, Karumba stressed, outlining the Men’s Leadership Program that educates men on women’s rights and engages them as advocates in this regard.  Thus when women are informed of their rights and can earn an income, and when men and community members are supportive and engaged, then real progress can be made to protect and empower women toward stronger communities and nations.

Prior to each speaking engagement, students announced individual and group commitments to tackle pressing global issues such as climate change, global health, economic development and women’s issues.  Both Salbi and Karumba provided a testament to their work with Women for Women International as a model for students to emulate as they commit themselves to international engagement.

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