ithth annual conference on human rights at Kean University, the event was appropriately centered on the education and empowerment on women around the world. The conference -- entitled Creating Opportunity through Education: Empowering women in the developing world to combat oppression - was hosted by the Human Rights Institute and featured presentations from Sheryl WuDunnTereraiConsueloBonillasPecora

As scores of Kean students, faculty, and visitors gathered in the Wilkins TheatreKaplowitzDawoodFarahi

Dr. ZamoraWuDunnWuDunn

In her presentation, WuDunn19thWuDunn

Next, Dr. Tererai

As she told her story of being married at the age of 11 and being a mother of three by the time she was 18 years old, working three jobs, and raising five children at the time she was enrolled in college, members of the audience were brought to tears. "If we give opportunity to women and girls, the minority, to everyone who is marginalized, they can achieve their dreams... Stay away from toxic environments and people. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and want the best for you" she passionately exclaimed.

Dr. ConsueloBonillasBonillasPerinatalBonillas

The next and final presenter was Westfield High School student, Olivia PecoraAbdullaPecoraPecora

After the completion of the presentations, six individuals received the inaugural human rights institute conference awards. The recipients were: Janice KroposkyConsueloPecoraWuDunnTererai

The 6th