Ashley Judd lauds Odisha’s efforts on gender-equality, youth empowerment

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Feb 10:

Hollywood actor Ashley Judd today met Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik where she appreciated the state government’s efforts towards gender-equality and youth empowerment.

The popular female actor, who is also the Global Goodwill Ambassador for the UNFPA, called on Naveen Patnaik at state secretariat here on the concluding day of her four-day visit to the state.

Glad to meet @UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador @AshleyJudd and learn her appreciation of our efforts towards gender-equality & youth empowerment pic.twitter.com/29funX0IJo

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) February 10, 2017

Judd accompanied by representatives of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) discussed on empowering and protecting youths and women. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) were also discussed during the meeting.

“They share our mission of empowering and protecting youths and women empowerment, in particular. I admire the Odisha government for its determination in this regard,” the Hollywood actor expressed.

Earlier in the day, Judd visited Shantipalli slum in the capital city where she interacted with the dwellers and young girls. On the second day of her visit on Wednesday, she visited the ‘Adivasi Mela’ – the annual tribal fair showcasing the tribal life and culture at the fortnight-long event.

The Goodwill Ambassador yesterday received KISS Humanitarian Award 2016 instituted by KISS, for her relentless work for the protection of the rights of girl child and women.