Multimedia Around the Institute

The Aspen Institute welcomed Madame Michelle Bachelet, the first Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Women, and Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the first female president of a post-Communist Eastern European country, to discuss their experiences as the former presidents of Chile and Latvia and the role of investing in reproductive health, education, and economic empowerment. The evening spotlighted Dr. Vike-Freiberga’s belief in emphasizing the contribution of women in building stable societies, and Madame Bachelet’s vision in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment around the world. Renowned democracy and governance expert and Vice President of the National Democratic Institute Shari Bryan also joined the panel to discuss the process – and impact – of empowering women to engage politically and economically. This event was moderated by Elliot Gerson, Executive Vice President of Policy and Public Programs and International Partnerships at The Aspen Institute. The conversation was part of the Seven Billion series.