MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - May 21, 2014) - UN Women National Committee Canada urges Canadians to participate in the fight against global poverty by participating in, or sponsoring a participant in, the World Partnership Walk events. They take place May 25, June 1 and June 8 in ten cities across Canada.
"The objective of the Walk mirrors our development priorities and those of UN Women Headquarters: to advance women's economic security and to support structures for an improved standard of living for women and girls."
"People often say to me, 'I'm just one person. I can't make a difference.' The World Partnership Walk is something anyone can do to affect change," said Almas Jiwani, President of UN Women National Committee Canada.
As the deadline for the 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) approaches, women and girls continue to experience a disproportionate degree of global poverty. Women are more likely than men to be trapped in a cycle of endemic poverty because of the daily discrimination they face in areas such as education, health care and employment. Issues of gender and poverty are connected as gender discrimination undermines efforts to eradicate poverty.
By participating in the World Partnership Walk, UN Women National Committee Canada helps put the spotlight on the role of civil society in eradicating poverty.
"I have taken part in the Walk for the past four years and I believe it makes a considerable difference for women and their families around the world," said Almas Jiwani.
"The Walk welcomes another year of support from UN Women in helping put an end to global poverty," said Ashina Sheriff, returning Volunteer Convenor for the Walk in Montreal. "As we head into the 30th edition of the Walk, we want to thank all those who have helped us reach this milestone. For three decades we have worked together to bring about positive change in some of the poorest parts of Asia and Africa. We owe our success to the commitment that Canadians, like our friends at UN Women Canada, make to bringing about a more equitable world."
Walks will be held in Regina, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, London, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Kitchener- Waterloo and Montreal.
"Join UN Women National Committee Canada at the World Partnership Walk. You can help mobilize change, end poverty and suffering and assist in realizing the Millennium Development Goals," said Almas Jiwani.
Special performances by International Artist Belinda Brady and various local artists will take place immediately after the walk.
To join the walk and raise funds please visit: http://www.worldpartnershipwalk.com
About UN Women National Committee Canada
UN Women National Committee of Canada is an independent, non-government organization that supports the mission of UN Women through public awareness initiatives about UN Women and global women's issues, as well as fundraising efforts to support UN Women programmes worldwide. For more information about UNWNCC, please visit http://www.unwomencanada.org
About Aga Khan Foundation Canada
Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) is a non-profit international development agency, working in Asia and Africa to find sustainable solutions to the complex problems causing global poverty. Established in 1980, AKFC is a registered Canadian charity and an agency of the worldwide Aga Khan Development Network. http://www.akfc.ca
Contact Information:
information about UN Women National Committee Canada:
Celine Caira
Research and Communications
514-513-5977
communications@unwomencanada.org
For media interviews for the World Partnership Walk,
please contact: World Partnership Walk Montreal
Ms. Ashina Sheriff
Convenor, World Partnership Walk for Montreal
514-913-2331
ashina.sheriff@gmail.com