Empowering women in developing countries | Jennifer Lonergan | TEDxMontrealWomen

In the developing world, where the basics of food, education and health are at stake, the need to transform women’s role is critical. When women are economically empowered, they are able to exert a powerful influence over their own lives, their families and their communities, and effect positive social change. Making this happen starts–and ends–with daring to care. Jennifer Lonergan is the Founder and Executive Director of Artistri Sud, a Canadian charity supporting the empowerment of women in developing countries. She has worked with over 50 artisans and artisan groups in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. As a buyer for fair trade and ethical wholesale and retail markets in North America—in particular, for her own boutique, Artistri—and in partnership with international development organizations in the US and Canada, she has helped support artisans’ efforts to generate revenue by capitalizing on their strengths to meet the needs of fast-paced marketplace. Jennifer has a PhD in women’s history and fifteen years’ experience in education and curriculum development, both critical tools in her efforts to build capacity among artisans to meet market needs while supporting cultural heritage preservation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx