• Anne Ferrer is the co-founder and executive director of the Rural Development Trust, an NGO fighting poverty in rural India since 1969.
• The honorary doctorate is awarded to relevant personalities from the academic, scientific, cultural and social fields who have excelled in their work.

Anantapur, 10 June 2022. Ms Anne Ferrer, co-founder and executive director of Rural Development Trust (RDT) has been distinguished with an honorary doctorate by The University of Girona, in Spain. The University awarded the doctorate in an event held on 10^th June in Girona in the Catalonia region of Spain.

The University Board recognized Anne Ferrer’s commitment to working with disadvantaged communities in India for the last 50 years, especially towards gender equality, leading by example through her work and life.

The Rector of the University of Girona said, “Anne Ferrer is not only an example of vital dedication to the improvement of living conditions of the most vulnerable people on the planet but also has played a crucial role in highlighting the role of so many women who have contributed to the construction of a fairer, more humane and more responsible world.”

Talking about the doctorate, Anne Ferrer said, “It is a big honor and responsibility to receive this academic recognition from The University of Girona. One of the most important pillars of RDT’s work, its continuity and sustainability, has been the idea of collective care,  that over the years has grown and multiplied, helping hundreds and thousands of people to have a dignified and egalitarian life. Caring for others is one of the most powerful tools that we have in our hands. It is inherent to all of us. I care, so I can. I care therefore I do.”

About the recognition:

The University of Girona (UdG) awards the distinction of the honorary doctorate to relevant personalities from the academic, scientific, cultural and social fields who have maintained a relationship with the University of Girona or who have excelled in their field. Up to date, the UdG has awarded this academic recognition to 29 people, 3 of whom are women.