Contact: Press Office, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), 202-712-4320; Public Information: 202-712-4810

WASHINGTON, Mar. 12 /Standard Newswire/ -- Tuesday, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) hosted Congresswoman Betty McCollum from Minnesota and a distinguished panel of speakers in recognition of International Women's Day. The event, entitled "Women: A Driving Force for Economic Recovery" was an opportunity to recognize the important role that women around the world play as drivers of economic growth and recovery.

"I am honored to join USAID to celebrate International Women's Day and reaffirm America's goal to ensure women and girls achieve their full potential and contribute their full power. A commitment to the survival, safety, success of women and girls is necessary to reshape our bilateral relationships and redefine our nation's foreign assistance investments," said Congresswoman McCollum (MN-4), Co-founder and Co-chair of the Global Health Caucus and Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. "Until our sisters around the world are a priority, U.S. efforts to fight poverty, disease, and hunger, and promote Democracy, economic opportunity and human rights cannot fully be achieved."

Following Congresswoman McCollum's address was a discussion by a distinguished panel of speakers about the vital role women around the world play in driving the economy. The speakers on the panel included Mark Blackden, a consultant for the International Finance Corporation, Mary Ellen Iskenderian, the president of Women's World Banking, Ellie Larson, the executive director of the Solidarity Center and Linda Wertheimer from National Public Radio.

For more information about USAID and its development programs for women, visit www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/wid/.

The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.