2008 ROAD TO EQUALITY TOUR | Press Conference, 4/28

MEDIA ALERT : THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2008

Women’s Foundation of Minnesota Releases New Research, Status of Girls in Minnesota

Embarking on statewide “Road to Equality Tour” in May to share key findings and gather new information from 15 communities on the health and well-being of girls for public policy recommendations

What: Press Conference. We will share new research report, Status of Girls in Minnesota, prepared by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (Washington, D.C.) in partnership with the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota.

Girls in Minnesota are full of promise and potential. However, they are confronted with many challenges due to poverty, racism, sexism, physical and sexual abuse, and societal messages that reduce their self esteem.

? Among poor families with children, female-headed families make up the largest share regardless of racial or ethnic group.

? Teen birth rates in Minnesota are drastically higher for girls of color than for white girls.

? The high percentage of American Indian, African American, and Hispanic girls reporting physical and sexual abuse is startling.

Who:

Lee Roper-Batker, president and CEO, Women’s Foundation of Minnesota
Sandra Vargas, president and CEO, The Minneapolis Foundation
Representative Neva Walker, District 61-B
Suzanne Koepplinger, executive director, MN Indian Women’s Resource Center
Erica Williams, study director, Institute for Women’s Policy Research

When: Monday, April 28, 2008 | 11:00 a.m.

Where: Minnesota State Capitol, Room 125 (east of Rotunda)

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Press Inquiries:

Mary Beth Hanson

Communications Director

612-236-1811