Almas Jiwani, President of UN Women National Committee Canada to Address the African Women Parliamentarians at First Crans Montana African Women's Forum in Brussels

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM--(Marketwired - Feb. 27, 2014) - Almas Jiwani, President of UN Women National Committee of Canada will at address at the first African Women's Forum held by Crans Montana in Brussels, Belgium, on March 21st and 22nd. The new forum will focus on raising the visibility of African women leaders and developing an action plan for Africa's world integration.

"It is truly an honour to be invited by Crans Montana to identify the structural barriers that continue to exist for African women in all spheres of society including the halls of power, such as corporate board rooms and chambers of parliament. I strongly believe that it is only when women have an active role and same share of voice in policy development as men that it will result in substantive transformation," said Ms. Jiwani.

Pursuant to her opening speech on "African Women and Parliaments and the Potential Influence of African Parliaments on the Status of Women", she will also participate in the panel discussions "The Key Role of Women in the Prevention and the Resolution of Conflicts in Africa".

"Considering Ms. Jiwani's lifelong commitment to women's rights and gender equality advancement, we are very pleased to welcome her at the founding session of the Crans Montana African Women's Forum. This new organization, launched on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Crans Montana Forum, aims to transcend African borders while linking African women to women from around the world. And we are therefore convinced that her contribution will provide valuable inputs to the debates," stated Crans Montana Forum.

In her capacity as President of UNWNCC, Ms. Jiwani has continued to champion the mandate of UN Women, the international organization that promotes initiatives on gender-empowerment and equality with assistance from 16 National Committees, 15 sub-regional offices and 46 project offices across the world.

ABOUT UN WOMEN 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 programs worldwide. For more information about UNWNCC, please visit http://www.unwomencanada.org/.

ABOUT CRANS MONTANA FORUM

The Crans Montana Forum is an International Organization, Swiss owned and managed, whose importance and prestige have been well-established since 1986. It is formally recognized by all major International Organizations. Its philosophy is lies in its motto: "Committed to a more Humane and Impartial World". It is formally recognized by all major International Organizations. The Crans Montana Forum organizes multiple political and economic events annually, which bring together heads of state and government, international organizations and businesses from around the world, including across Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East. For more information about the Crans Montana Forum, please visit http://www.cmf.ch/.