PICTOU, NS, Oct. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Canada's Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, extended greetings and best wishes to participants in the Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan (CW4WAfghan) Annual Meeting and Symposium, being held here October 11 to 13, coinciding with the first-ever International Day of the Girl, on October 11.
"Yesterday, which was also the inaugural International Day of the Girl, was an ideal time for CW4WAfghan to launch its annual gathering," said Minister Ambrose. "As the international community works to help Afghan society rebuild, we can advance those efforts by learning from and supporting the courageous work of Canadian organizations like CW4WAfghan."
CW4WAfghan is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization with 13 chapters across Canada. Members help to raise money for education projects in Afghanistan, such as teacher training, community schools, literacy classes, orphanages, libraries and women's resource centres.
"We are very pleased to join our Atlantic chapter in beautiful Nova Scotia," said Ms. Madeliene Tarasick, President, Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan. "The inaugural International Day of the Girl provided an auspicious start for our three days of dialogue on how we can continue to contribute to peace, justice and social development in Afghanistan."
International Day of the Girl aims to promote equal treatment and opportunities for girls around the world in areas such as law, nutrition, health care, education, training, and freedom from violence and abuse. Throughout the world, girls face higher rates of violence, poverty and discrimination. International Day of the Girl focuses on finding ways to empower girls to reach their full potential and to overcome gender-based barriers.
On December 19, 2011, the UN General Assembly formally adopted the resolution designating the International Day of the Girl.
October is Women's History Month in Canada. In honour of the first-ever International Day of the Girl, the theme for Women's History Month is Strong Girls, Strong Canada: Leaders from the Start. For information on International Day of the Girl and on Women's History Month 2012, go to www.women.gc.ca.
SOURCE: Status of Women Canada
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