Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

March 4, 2009

Manitoba Highlights Contributions Of Immigrant Women On International Women's Day 2009



Manitobans are invited to recognize and celebrate International Women’s Day at a reception at the Legislative Building starting at 11:45 a.m., Monday, March 9, Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan, minister responsible for the status of women, said today.  
 
This year’s theme is Together We Are Better:  The Contributions of Immigrant Women in Manitoba.
 
“Women immigrate to Manitoba for a variety of reasons, but whether they have come seeking a better life, more job opportunities or a chance for freedom and equality that did not exist in their former homeland, they all strengthen our province by contributing to its unique character and diversity,” said Allan. “Immigrant women contribute much to Manitoba through their ideas, skills, values and determination built from individual experiences.”
 
The MC for the event is Ariana Yaftali, a member of the Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council who immigrated from Afghanistan and works as a refugee sponsorship councillor for the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council.
 
Featured guest speaker Shahina Siddiqui is an Islamic family mediator who has been instrumental in establishing supports for Muslim families in Winnipeg and across North America.  Siddiqui writes and advocates extensively on many issues affecting Muslim women and is currently the executive director of the Islamic Social Services Association of Canada and the United States.
 
The reception will be held 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Official proceedings will begin at 12:15 p.m. in Room 200 of the Legislative Building. Community organizations will have information and cultural displays for viewing around the Grand Staircase. A light lunch will be served in the Rotunda.
 
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