Stephanie Linus, a Nollywood actress, filmmaker, and women and girls advocate, was the featured speaker at an event organized by Pathfinder International, Catalyst Global Strategies, What to Expect Project, UN Women, UNFPA, and Stephanie’s nonprofit organization, Extended Hands Foundation, on March 30 at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The event titled “Global Health is Foundational: Boosting Education, Economies, and Equity for Women & Girls,” highlighted how U.S. government-supported global health programs can improve the lives of women and girls in the developing world beyond improving health outcomes.
Stephanie discussed her work on gender-based awareness and intervention projects around the world as a UNFPA Regional Ambassador and founder of the Extended Hands Foundation. She led a discussion about how a lack of healthcare access and other forms of inequity keep girls out of school, limit their educational opportunities, and prevent them from living the lives they want.
The event also featured remarks from Lydia Murithi, Senior Global Technical and Strategy Advisor, Pathfinder International; Crystal Lander, Chief Strategic Engagement Officer, Pathfinder International; Annie Toro, President and CEO, What to Expect Project, and Sarah Craven, Chief, Washington Office, UNFPA. The event was coordinated by Algene Sajery, CEO of Catalyst Global Strategies.
See photos from the event below: