Statement of the Embassy of Canada in Afghanistan to Commemorate International Women?s Day

Photo ? Government of Canada

Canada?s Charg? d?affaires in Kabul Shelley Whiting and participants at the International Women?s Day event.

(March 8, 2012 - Kabul, Afghanistan) Yesterday, the Embassy of Canada in Afghanistan commemorated International Women?s Day by hosting an event with Afghan women to provide an opportunity, especially for young Afghan women, to meet and network with other inspirational women here in Afghanistan.

Participants included Afghan women political and civil society leaders, business women, women lawyers, journalists, aid workers, and young women leaders in particular, including university and high school students, as well as Canadian women serving at the Embassy in Kabul and in Canada's military training mission in Afghanistan.

?International Women?s Day is a time to celebrate progress, reflect on current challenges and consider future steps to improve all aspects of women?s lives,? said Canada?s Charg? d?affaires in Kabul Shelley Whiting. ?By marking this special occasion, we want to reaffirm that Canada is committed to work to improve the lives of Afghan women and girls.?

The Government of Canada?s support for women and girls in Afghanistan takes many forms, including ongoing dialogue with the Government of Afghanistan, civil society, the UN, and other donors.? Canada is also addressing the needs of women and girls by supporting a wide range of projects focussing on health, education and human rights.

?The Embassy of Canada will continue to encourage the Afghan government, in law and in practice, to strengthen the protection and promotion of the human rights of Afghan women and girls,? said Ms. Whiting. ?We will continue to support Afghan women and organizations who work tirelessly to implement positive changes in the lives of Afghan women and girls. Our commitment to these women and organizations will remain steadfast."

Canada?s Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird has made the role of women in emerging democracies a cornerstone of Canadian foreign policy.? As indicated in a recent statement by Minister Baird and Rona Ambrose, Minister for Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, this is especially?true in Afghanistan, where promoting and protecting human rights, including women's rights, is a central theme of Canada's post-2011 engagement.

Yesterday?s networking event was part of a series of events organized by the Embassy of Canada to mark International Women?s Day and to recognize Afghan women?s leadership and contributions.

Earlier in the week, the Embassy hosted a special exhibit ?Memory Boxes? showcasing personal displays by a group of Afghan women.? Ms. Whiting also gave an exclusive interview to Ariana TV and underlined Canada?s continued commitment towards Afghan women and women?s rights.

To find comprehensive information on Canada?s support to Afghan women and girls, please consult our fact sheet.

For additional details on Canada?s new role in Afghanistan (2011-2014), please consult Canada?s Approach or follow us on Facebook.

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For more information:
Tristan-E. Landry
Counsellor and Head of Public Diplomacy
Embassy of Canada - Kabul
tristan.landry@international.gc.ca

Jamil Alkozai
Public Diplomacy Officer
Embassy of Canada - Kabul
abduljamil.alkozai@international.gc.ca
0793304210

Source: http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2012/2012_03_08a.aspx?lang=eng

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