Almas Jiwani, President of UN Women Canada National Committee Will Commemorate International Women's Day Celebrations With a Keynote Address at the Revenue Canada Agency on March 8th, 2012

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 7, 2012) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

Ms. Almas Jiwani, President of the UN Women Canada National Committee will deliver the keynote address at the Revenue Canada International Women's Day Celebrations.

The address entitled "Empowered Women for a Stronger Canada" draws on the international women's day theme, Empower rural women: End hunger and poverty. Jiwani's address will aim to inspire dialogue and outline strategies that will build the momentum for equality and empowerment of women across Canada.

"This International Women's Day, I join women around the globe in solidarity for human rights, dignity and equality. This sense of mission drives millions of people around the world to pursue justice and inclusion" states Jiwani. "Women's full and equal participation in the political and economic arena is fundamental to democracy and justice, which people are demanding. Equal rights and opportunity underpin healthy economies and societies. In order to make gender equality a lived reality, we call for the participation of everyone, from national leaders, individuals, corporate executives and non-governmental organizations," she adds.

Singer-songwriter-musician Belinda Brady, one of Canada's most talented artists will perform at the event. ''I am very happy to be performing at this event to recognize the achievements and accomplishments of women on International Women's Day. It is an honour for me to participate in this celebration by sharing my music, with a message of hope and inspiration" says Brady.

Pursuant to the March 8th, 2012 celebrations at Canada Revenue Agency, Ms. Jiwani will attend several International Women's Day events and speaking engagements across Canada throughout the month of March to celebrate International Women's Day and the global progress on gender equality and women's empowerment.

About International Women's Day (IWD)

International Women's Day was commemorated for the first time on 19 March 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, following its establishment during the Socialist International meeting the prior year. More than one million women and men attended rallies on that first commemoration.

In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating 8 March as International Women's Day. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.

About UN Women Canada National Committee

The National Committee for UN Women Canada National Committee raises the UN Women's profile and promotes its work in Canada; raises funds for UN Women projects; creates awareness within the Canadian governments for increased funding for UN Women projects; and encourages non-governmental organizations to promote and support UN Women initiatives.

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