Almas Jiwani was given this year’s International Women Development Champion Award. Almas Jiwani is the current UN Women National Committee Canada’s president. UN Women National Committee Canada raises money for projects of UN Women, raises awareness to the Canadian government, and encourages NGOs. She was appointed the Ambassador for Peace. In her work, she focuses on the goal of helping women, and increasing their opportunities, to be entrepreneurs and producers in an economic capacity. She is committed to business and volunteering to obtain rights for women around the globe. Often, she is a key player in developing connections between socially responsible businesses and charities.
Among other accomplishments, Almas Jiwani is the President and CEO of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) Canada and leads the Board of Directors for UN Women Canada, or United Nations Gender Entity for Empowerment of Women.
The International Women Development Champion Award was initially created to praise and honor women that have shown their above-and-beyond commitment and determination to improve the lives of African women. Primarily, recipients have created economic development in Africa women. Almas Jiwani, the first Canadian and UN Women representative to receive this prestigious award, has helped to connect the corporate world with the humanitarian world, and in doing so, has shown her amazing innovation. She has won international attention due to her ability to overcome obstacles to make a difference in Africa. When receiving the award, Almas Jiwani commented that there needs to be a continued focus on encouraging equality, and in helping African women become involved in political structures so their voices can be heard.
The International Women Development Champion Award is just one of Jiwani’s many achievements and awards, including but not limited to: the Pilot International Humanitarian Award – Uganda, the Artemis Goddess Award – Greece, the United Nations Fund for Women ‘Life Time Honorary Member’ Award, and the Governor General’s Caring Award – Canada. She is one individual that continues to inspire others, and makes an incredible difference in the world in regards to women’s rights and other humanitarian ventures.
– Corina Balsamo
Sources: Sun News Network, U Winnipeg
Photo: CBC