The Fred Hollows Foundation is co-hosting an International Women’s Day event next week as part of its campaign for global action to prioritise women’s and girls’ eye health.
“Eyes are the windows to gender equity,” said Ms Jennifer Gersbeck, executive director, influence and scaling impact at The Fred Hollows Foundation. “Women and girls account for 55% of the world’s blind and vision-impaired population, yet limited access to eyecare keeps them trapped in poverty.”
International Women’s Day 2025 is on Saturday, March 8.
A media release said The Fred Hollows Foundation, in partnership with the UN Friends of Vision, would be co-hosting an International Women’s Day event on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women in New York.
Titled “No Woman Left Behind – Advancing Eye Health Equity for Women and Girls,” the event will include UN Friends of Vision leadership and HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO to discuss global efforts to eliminate trachoma and other gender-based disparities in eyecare.
The foundation said the work would highlight its crucial role in achieving gender equity and sustainable development.
“This is a critical opportunity to push for policies that guarantee all women and girls access to quality eyecare,” said Gersbeck.
“Investing in women’s eye health helps break cycles of poverty, keeps girls in school, and empowers women in the workforce.”
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