Ex-US First Lady Laura Bush joins AUW's Council of Patrons

Former First Lady of the United States Laura Bush will serve as a patron of Asian University of Women in Chittagong. AUW Chancellor Cherie Blair, wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, made the announcement, according to a press statement. "Laura Bush has been one of the most persistent and effective champions of girls and women and others who fall on the wrong side of privilege. She brings an enormous amount of compassion and dedication to her work in support of women, and she makes a significant impact...Laura is the emblem of great soul...," reads the statement quoting Cherie Blair.

Former First Lady of the United States Joins Asian University for Women Council of Patrons https://t.co/cNygfDZoOc pic.twitter.com/EwyV0DP4kH

— South Asia Views (@southasiaviews) July 20, 2017

Accepting her role as Patron of AUW, the former US first lady said: "The inclusion of women in all aspects of society strengthens and improves the stability of their countries. Asian University for Women recognizes (sic) that investments in the success of women are investments that pay off, and that educating women has the power to change the world." The University's Council of Patrons includes Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the First Lady of Japan Akie Abe, former Italian foreign minister Emma Bonino, Unesco Director General Irina Bokov, former chief secretary of Hong Kong Anson Chan, former Danish environment minister Lone Dybkjaer, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and former president of Sri Lanka Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.