Heart disease, breast cancer and depression are just some issues plaguing women at higher rates than men in the U.S., and one local organization wants to help women become empowered.

Sponsored by the Dallas-Selma Community Action and Community Development Cooperation, Inc., a women’s conference, scheduled for April 9 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., will educate women of all ages about managing finances, having good physical and mental health and curtailing teen pregnancy.

Regina Woods, parent-involvement specialist, said this conference is to inform the public about issues affecting Selma.

“We want to educate the public and show them things they may not have known before,” Woods said. “We want to teach our young girls there is more to life than having a baby and we want to encourage our women about the importance of annual pap smears.

“We also want our community partners to get involved,” Woods said. “We want the public to utilize our resources and help one another.”

The event is free and open to the public. Lunch will be served and door prizes and gifts will be given away to those in attendance.

For more information about the event contact Woods at 410-1080 or by email at regina.woods@dallasselma.org.