Venezuelan womens leader touring U.S.

Nora Castañeda, president of the Women’s Development Bank in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, will be touring the United States from Jan. 29 to Feb. 9 to speak on the topic of “Creating a caring economy in Venezuela.”

Castañeda, an economist known for her commitment to addressing the needs of grassroots women, was appointed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez to head the Women’s Development Bank (Banmujer) in response to women’s demands for reforms to benefit the poorest families and communities. Castañeda is of African and Indigenous descent and the daughter of a low-income single mother.

Castañeda will speak in San Francisco on Jan. 29, Los Angeles on Jan. 31, Chicago on Feb. 1-2, Washington on Feb. 3-4, Philadelphia on Feb. 5-6, New York City on Feb. 7-8, and Boston on Feb. 9. The tour is coordinated by the Global Women’s Strike, with the support of the Venezuelan Embassy. Sponsors include the Vanguard Foundation, the American Friends Service Committee, KPFK, KPFA & WBAI Radio, Danny Glover, Ed Asner, Harry Belafonte, Dolores Huerta, and Greg Palast.

For time and locations, visit www.globalwomenstrike.net or call (215) 848-1120 in Philadelphia or (323) 292-7405 in Los Angeles.