Mayor Christine Tolbert-Norman of Bentol, Liberia will speak at Warren Wilson College as part of a panel discussion on the status of women worldwide in celebration of International Women’s Day.
Tolbert-Norman is the eldest daughter of Liberian President William Tolbert, who was killed in 1980 during a coup.
Joining her on the panel will be Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and activist Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, who is currently running for a District 1 seat on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners.
Asheville-based Seed Programs International has partnered with Tolbert-Norman to provide vegetable seeds to young women in the city of Bentol. The partnership aims to launch a cycle of self-sufficiency by providing participants with resources to feed themselves. Surplus vegetables can also be sold for additional income. The proceeds from the sale of produce are used for expenses such as garden equipment, school fees and supplies and healthcare, supporting participants in their efforts to overcome poverty.
Tolbert-Norman is executive director for the Restoration of Educational Advancement Programs in Liberia. She has also worked as a school administrator and education system leader.
The panel discussion will take place at 7:15 p.m. on Monday, March 7 in Canon Lounge at the Gladfelter building on the Warren Wilson College campus in Swannanoa. For more information about the event, please contact Professor Siti Kusujiarti, (skusujia@warren-wilson.edu) or Naima Abdullahi (naima.abdullahi@seedprograms.org).
The event is sponsored by Warren Wilson College, Seed Programs International and Sweet Blossom Gifts.
