New York, NY, 30 April 2018 – Women Deliver, a leading global advocate for gender equality and the health, rights, and wellbeing of girls and women, announced today that Rt Hon Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1999-2008, will join the Board of Directors.
Helen Clark was a Member of Parliament for 27 years and was the first elected female Prime Minister of New Zealand, serving for three terms. Prime Minister Clark then became the Administrator of the United National Development Programme from 2009 until 2017. She was the first woman to lead UNDP, and also served as the Chair of the United National Development Group. Prime Minister Clark has a long-standing relationship with Women Deliver, including attending three of the four last Women Deliver Conferences. Women Deliver also recently facilitated a Q&A between Prime Minister Clark and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a commitment to deliver a better future for everyone, and promoting gender equality is a key part of achieving that vision. That’s why I’m thrilled to join Women Deliver’s Board of Directors,” said Rt Hon Helen Clark. “Women Deliver and I both know that when the world invests in girls and women, there’s a ripple effect that lifts up families, communities, and entire countries.”
“Women Deliver is thrilled to welcome Prime Minister Clark to our board,” said Katja Iversen, President/CEO of Women Deliver. “Girls and women have always had a powerful ally in Prime Minister Clark, and Women Deliver is fortunate to now have her join our team. There is a much needed international spotlight on gender equality, and together we will continue to turn that attention into action.”
The Women Deliver Board of Directors is chaired by Saundra Pelletier, CEO of Evofem Biosciences and WCG, and includes the following members:
- Kristin Hetle, Gender Advisor, Save the Children Norway
- Katja Iversen, President/CEO, Women Deliver
- Jotham Musinguzi, Director General of Uganda’s National Population Council
- Vivian Onano, Youth Advisor for UN Women Global Civil Society Advisory Group and 2016 Women Deliver Young Leader
- Cecilia García Ruiz, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the Human Rights Commission of Mexico City and 2013 Women Deliver Young Leader
- Dakshitha Wickremarathne, Co-Founder & Programme Director of Youth Advocacy Network Sri Lanka and 2016 Women Deliver Young Leader
“Prime Minister Clark’s tremendous advancements towards gender equality align perfectly with the core mission of Women Deliver. Her expertise and strategic insight will be an invaluable addition to the Women Deliver Board,” said Saundra Pelletier, Chair of Women Deliver.
Rt Hon Helen Clark’s first Women Deliver Board meeting will take place on May 1.
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About Women Deliver: As a leading, global advocate for gender equality and the health, rights, and wellbeing of girls and women, Women Deliver brings together diverse voices and interests to drive progress for all, with a particular focus on maternal, sexual, and reproductive health and rights. Women Deliver builds capacity, shares solutions, and forges partnerships, together creating coalitions, communication, and action that spark political commitment and investment in girls and women.
