For Lasting Change: Women's Education and Empowerment

31
Aug
Asia Society Hong Kong Center, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty
6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Registration Deadline: 30th Aug 2015

The status of women in many parts of rural Asia has largely remained unaffected by the pace of development in the region. Entrenched beliefs prevent women from pursuing further education. Instead, they marry young - at the median age of just 15 in South Asia. In Bangladesh, only 5 per cent of women go to university. In Afghanistan, families do not allow their daughters to study with boys. The Asian University for Women in Bangladesh offers opportunities for talented, aspiring women regardless of their economic background, nationality, religion or language - nearly 70% of its students are the first in their families to attend university.

Join Cherie Blair, Chancellor of the Asian University for Women and Jack Meyer, Co-Founder of Asian University for Women and CEO of Convexity Capital Management LP, for a wide-ranging discussion on the importance of women’s education, how it empowers individuals, improve lives, advances societies and changes the world. 


PANELISTS

Cherie Blair is Chancellor of the Asian University for Women and member of its Council of Patrons. Mrs. Blair practices as a barrister and in 1995 became a Queen’s Counsel. She is Founder of the law firm, Omnia Strategy LLP. Married to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, she was the first member of her family to go to university. Mrs. Blair is Founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, set up in 2008 on the realization that with the right support, women can overcome the challenges they face and play an important part in their economies and societies. Mrs. Blair studied law at the London School of Economics.

Jack R. Meyer is AUW Co-Founder and CEO of Convexity Capital Management LP which manages over $15 billion in funds. He was previously President and CEO of Harvard Management Company, managing the University's endowment assets and pooled income funds totaling $31 billion by the end of his term. Mr. Meyer was formerly Chief Investment Officer for the Rockefeller Foundation. He was Founding Chairman of the Asian University for Women, providing vital leadership in the emergence of the institution and remains its single largest supporter. Mr. Meyer graduated from Denison University and received his MBA from Harvard Business School.

Ronnie C. Chan is Chairman of Hang Lung Properties. He is also Co-Chair of the Asia Society and Chairman of the Asia Society Hong Kong Center. Mr. Chan serves as a Governing Board member of the China-United States Exchange Foundation and advisor and former Vice President of the China Development Research Foundation in Beijing. He is Director of the Board of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, member of the Council on Foreign Relations and former member of the governing boards of the World Economic Forum. Mr. Chan received his M.B.A. from the University of Southern California. (Moderator)


For inquiries, contact Lillian Lu at lillian.lu@asian-university.org

Register online at http://asiasociety.org/hong-kong/events/lasting-change-womens-education-and-empowerment