Vital Voices, Standard Chartered Bank, Avon, Time Inc. and International Women Leaders to Launch Global Media/Public Awareness Campaign

Opening Bell: New York Stock Exchange, March 9, 2010

WOMEN CAN AND DO

NEW YORK, March 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by Vital Voices Global Partnership:

WHAT:  On the occasion of International Women's Week, March 8-14, Vital Voices Global Partnership will be joined by corporate partners Standard Chartered Bank, Avon, and Time Inc. to launch a global corporate media campaign entitled WOMEN CAN AND DO at the New York Stock Exchange Opening Bell, March 9, 2010.

Designed in conjunction with Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg, the media ad campaign will profile both established leaders and emerging heroines – innovative and entrepreneurial women working to increase economic opportunity, strengthen democracy and end violence against women worldwide.

The NYSE Opening Bell event will ring-in Vital Voices' week-long activities in celebration of International Women's Week: including a two-day State Department Summit in partnership with Vital Voices and Avon entitled "The Global Partnership to End Violence Against Women" (March 10-11); and the launch of two special initiatives: the Vital Voices Global Investment Portfolio Program, and the Vital Voices Initiative for Reconstruction and Women's Economic Empowerment in Haiti.              

***PRESS AVAILS FOLLOWING CEREMONY***

PRESS MUST PRE-REGISTER:  DIANA ALDRIDGE 202 236 3900

SPECIAL NOTE ON VITAL VOICES OPENING BELL RINGER:

Danielle Saint-Lot and the Vital Voices Initiative for Reconstruction and Women's Economic Empowerment in Haiti

Danielle Saint-Lot is Co-Founder of Femmes en Democratie, Vital Voices' Global Network affiliate chapter in Haiti.  In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010, Danielle and her network of Vital Voices women lent themselves to relief efforts throughout Haiti; demonstrating the undaunted courage and resilience that will lift Haiti up from the devastation.  Though women bear the heaviest burden in times of crisis, women are the first to offer tangible solutions. Danielle is spearheading The Vital Voices Initiative for Reconstruction and Women's Economic Empowerment in Haiti; coordinating and connecting a Vital Voices network of women entrepreneurs in Haiti and the United States to help identify long-term needs, and how Vital Voices can best contribute to these efforts.      

Vital Voices Global Partnership is a leading non-governmental organization that identifies, invests in and brings visibility to extraordinary women around the world by unleashing their leadership potential to transform lives and accelerate peace and prosperity in their communities. We are at the forefront of international coalitions to combat human trafficking and all forms of violence against women and girls. We empower women to become change agents in their government, advocates for social justice, and supporters of democracy and the rule of law.  We equip women with management, business development, marketing and communications skills to expand their enterprises, provide for their families, and create jobs in their communities.

SOURCE Vital Voices Global Partnership