SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, Oct. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maryse Guilbeault, Canadian Ambassador to El Salvador, held a networking cocktail reception on October 10, 2018 at the Ambassador’s official residence in honour of Almas Jiwani, a global voice for gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. The reception was one of the many high-profile events held to promote informal discussion on human rights between women parliamentarians, diplomats, business leaders, civil society and humanitarians present.
Almas Jiwani, CEO of the Almas Jiwani Foundation, was invited by the Government of Canada to take part in a 4-day advocacy tour, which included meetings and keynote addresses at the Salvadoran Chamber of Commerce, Scotiabank, Plan International El Salvador, TELUS International and University Dr. Jose Matias Delgado. Almas Jiwani expressed her heartfelt thanks to Ambassador Guilbeault and the Government of Canada for hosting an inspiring and impactful trip.
“I'd like to thank both the Ambassador and the Government of Canada for giving me the opportunity to be here, and to witness and participate in the growing support of women, and women’s rights, here in El Salvador. It truly is an honour to discuss these admirable and attainable aspirations, and inspire people to act. Our Prime Minister’s commitment to pluralism, and feminism, helps to reinforce Canada as a beacon of inclusivity. These values are deeply rooted in Canadians. It will be exciting to see our beautiful Canadian diaspora provide a leading influence in El Salvador and across the world for years to come,” said Almas Jiwani.
While addressing the crowd at the reception, Ambassador Guilbeault mentioned that, “In El Salvador and around the world, many girls are denied equality. This is why this International Day of the Girl, the Embassy of Canada in El Salvador has decided to invite Almas Jiwani to amplify girls’ voices, advocate for their rights, and elevate their position in society.”
“Now, more than ever, Canada is recognized as a leader in promoting gender equality and taking a strong stance on women's issues. Canada, with its Feminist International Assistance Policy, applies a human rights approach in promoting the empowerment of women and girls. Partnering up with Almas Jiwani, a women’s rights champion, endeavours to put Canada on the forefront of gender equality,” concluded Ambassador Guilbeault.
“Gender equality is a core Canadian value, not just a catchy phrase, but a way of life. Our future potential is directly linked to the potential of girls and young women. Through access to education and markets, a new generation of women will change the world. The world looks toward Canada for its progressive ways and its leadership. Canada is, and will continue to be, a leader in this change,” added Jiwani.
About Almas Jiwani Foundation
The vision of The Almas Jiwani Foundation is to empower women, girls and marginalized communities through focused projects that directly address disparities in equality, education, entrepreneurship and energy rights. The Foundation aims to bridge inequalities through the fostering of relationships among the various actors and stakeholders in global issues, and provide a platform for discourse and action.
About Canada in El Salvador
2018 marks the 57th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and El Salvador. The Salvadoran diaspora in Canada is one of the largest from Latin America. Canada is represented in El Salvador by an embassy in San Salvador.
Contact information
Almas Jiwani Foundation
Jason Dupuis
Vice President, Communications
Tel: +1 (519) 890-1328
Jason@JasonDupuis.ca
info@almasjiwanifoundation.org
www.almasjiwanifoundation.org
Embassy of Canada to El Salvador
Valérie Bouchard
Foreign Policy and Public Affairs Officer
valerie.bouchard@international.gc.ca
+503 2133-1129