In Niger, Dr. Biden meets Female Parliamentarians, Entrepreneurs and Students
On Wednesday night, Dr. Biden arrived in Niamey, Niger to begin the final leg of her three-country trip to Africa.
On Thursday morning, Dr. Biden visited the Marie Stopes International Clinic — a partnership between Marie Stopes International and the USAID. Established in Niamey in 2014, the clinic provides Nigerien women and children with vital access to reproductive and childhood healthcare. Dr. Biden was able to meet many of the women who rely on Marie Stopes, and hear firsthand the obstacles that they have faced in accessing vital healthcare for themselves and their children. She was also able to meet — and thank — the women and men who volunteer at the clinic and provide these lifesaving services.
Afterwards, Dr. Biden toured the Secondary School “CES Tilladje”, a Peace Thru Development school in Niamey, Niger. Through funding from USAID, two new classrooms have been built at the school to accommodate a growing number of students. Dr. Biden was able to meet with students and teachers, as well as local officials, to learn how the USAID program has benefited the community as a whole.
In the afternoon, Dr. Biden participated in a discussion with four Diffa residents who have been impacted by violent extremism, including attacks from Boko Haram. Dr. Biden was able to hear how these attacks have personally affected the daily lives of these men and women — from family life to education and economics.
Afterwards, Dr. Biden had the opportunity to meet with members of the U.S. Embassy community in Niamey. Dr. Biden was able to thank the embassy staff members, and their families, for their hard work and dedication in Niger on behalf of the White House.
In the evening, Dr. Biden met with local faith leaders in Niamey. She met with leaders from a wide variety of religions to discuss the importance of religious tolerance, diversity, and respect in combatting extremism and volatility in the region.
On Friday morning, Dr. Biden met with President Mahmadou Issoufou of Niger. Dr. Biden and the President discussed the shared values between the United States and Niger, and Dr. Biden thanked him for the warm welcome she received in Niger.
Afterwards, Dr. Biden met with female members of the Nigerien parliament to hear their experiences as women in leadership positions, as well as discuss ways for more Nigerien women to get involved in all levels of politics.
In the afternoon, Dr. Biden met with Nigerien entrepreneurs to highlight the importance of empowering men and women in Niger to launch businesses in their communities. Dr. Biden was able to learn more about successful companies launched in Niger, and hear how these entreprenuers were able to launch successful and prosperous businesses in their own communities.
Afterwards, Dr. Biden participated in a roundtable with various humanitarian organizations in Niger including the United National Development Program to learn more about what these organizations are doing in Niger to further the rights of women and girls, education, and protection for all Nigeriens.
Before departing Niger for Washington, DC, Dr. Biden met with the men and women stationed at the Exercise Relief Facility (ERF) in Niamey. Dr. Biden toured the ERF facilities and had a meal with the troops. She had an opportunity to hear more about their personal experiences in the region, as well as thank them on behalf of the President, First Lady, and Vice President for serving in the United States Military.
