Government of Canada helps develop leadership skills among immigrant women
and girls

WATERLOO, ON, June 29 /CNW Telbec/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Mr. Peter Braid, Member of Parliament (Kitchener-Waterloo), today announced Government of Canada support for a new project to help immigrant women and girls in the Kitchener-Waterloo region.

"I am proud that our government is working with community organizations to encourage women and girls to take on the challenge of leadership and increase their democratic participation," said Minister Ambrose. "This project will allow Focus for Ethnic Women to create better conditions for the civic engagement of immigrant women and teenage girls in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, bringing this marginalized group into the mainstream of society."

Focus for Ethnic Women will receive $273,921 for Immigrant Women and Voice. The Government of Canada allocated funding for this project through the Women's Community Fund of Status of Women Canada. To qualify, projects must work to promote equality and the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.

"With the rapid growth of the immigrant population in the Waterloo region over the past 10 years, this project responds to a real need in our community," said Mr. Braid. "Many newcomers are aware that civic participation not only provides them with the kind of experience they need to feel at home here in Canada but also increases their ability to network, make connections and put down roots. These are important steps in building a better future for themselves and their families, and in strengthening our community."

"Through this three-year project, immigrant women and teenage girls will participate in intensive leadership training workshops, learning how to identify their strengths and personal interests, as well as building knowledge and skills," said Ms. Olga George-Cosh, Executive Director of Focus for Ethnic Women. "We will also promote the inclusion of immigrant women and teenage girls in the activities of other community groups. We will produce a leadership training manual on civic engagement, which Focus for Ethnic Women will use, and which will be shared with other groups."

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting worthwhile projects like Focus for Ethnic Women's Immigrant Women and Voice, as they yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada, while strengthening our families, our communities and our country.

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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.

For further information: Jonah Mozeson, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, 613-799-1609; Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning, Status of Women Canada, 613-995-7839