RTI International celebrates a decade of Global Gender Center excellence

Groundbreaking research advancing global gender equity, with a focus on intersectional perspectives

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. - Nonprofit research institute RTI International is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Global Gender Center(GGC), highlighting a decade of transformative research and global impact in gender equity and equality.

The center is working to eliminate global gender inequalities with projects spanning crucial areas including health and wellness, economic empowerment, educating girls and women and ending gender violence. The GGC has over 500 affiliates globally, representing RTI staff, external affiliates in the field and students.

"Over the past decade, our work has reached countless lives," said Dr. Wendee Wechsberg, founding director of the Global Gender Center at RTI. "From developing and adapting gender-specific interventions for HIV prevention and substance use, to projects focused on education, maternal health and gender-based violence, we aim to address gender equity through evidence-based research and innovative solutions."

RTI's gender-related projects have had an impact in over 80 countries, including:

• In South Africa, through an innovative community-engaged projecthelping young couples who use alcohol or drugs increase their uptake of PrEP and ART to end HIV.
• In Haiti, through empowering female farmersby enhancing the maize and bean value chains, increasing crop yields, promoting climate-smart agriculture and strengthening resilience to natural disasters.
• In India, by improving water sanitationfor women to enhance access to safe and private sanitation facilities, promoting dignity and encouraging girls to remain in school during menstruation.
• In Uganda, by enhancing children's reading skills while also providing education on preventing school-related gender-based violence, thereby fostering a supportive environment for their health and learning.
• In the United States, through a case study on the Forward Togethercampaign focused on LGBTQIA+ equity that provided valuable insights into creating more inclusive environments.

The GGC is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary on Nov. 15, with RTI leadership, local university representatives and special guest speaker Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire, co-developer of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. RTI's first female President and CEO, Victoria Franchetti Haynes and the current President and CEO, Tim Gabel will also speak. The event is dedicated to advancing women and underrepresented groups in STEM. Guests can attend either in-person at RTI International's campus in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, or online via Zoom. Register here.

Learn more about RTI's Global Gender Center