Prominent Leaders & VIPs to gather at Shangri-La Toronto on March 4th & 5th 2016, for International Women's Empowerment & Leadership Conference & Gala, to celebrate United Nations' International Women's Day

TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2016 /CNW/ - Women's Festival Toronto is pleased to announce that Madam Sophie Gregoire Trudeau will serve as its Honourary Chair and Gala Keynote Speaker at its 2016 Women's Festival Toronto – International Women's Empowerment and Leadership Conference & Gala in celebration of International Women's Day hosted at the Shangri-La Hotel on Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5, 2016. The 2-day, not-for-profit fundraiser has net proceeds directly supporting Plan International Canada's – Because I am a Girl, a global initiative to end gender inequality, promote girls' rights and lift millions of girls – and everyone around them – out of poverty. Registration is now available on Eventbrite.

Madam Sophie Gregoire Trudeau will address this year's theme "A Celebration of Women's Empowerment," along with internationally recognized speakers including, Deputy Minister of International Trade Christine Hogan, UN Women's President Emeritus, Ms. Almas Jiwani, Brigadier-General Tammy Harris and Yahoo News! Global Anchor, Ms. Katie Couric.

Panel discussions in a fireside chat format will include prominent speakers discussing leadership in International Social Justice & Diplomatic Affairs, Women in Finance & Business, Indigenous Women's Leadership, Women-In-Technology, and Perspectives from Young Minds. Special features are a Diversity-In-Fashion runway show which aims to promote diversity of race, body and beauty.

Scholarships to attend the Conference are being provided for 150 high school girls to participate in fun, interactive workshops purposely designed for them, with an aim to empower these young girls to discover their authentic selves and develop leadership skills and knowledge.  A 25% discount offer to women's organizations is available until Friday, February 26, 2016.

SOURCE WOMEN'S FESTIVAL TORONTO

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