Almas Jiwani, the charismatic leader and moving spirit behind the global plight of the rights of women. She has a well-established international reputation as a keynote speaker and president emeritus of UN Women Canada. Thus the AJF intends to bridge the gap between nations and states by creating platforms and discourses surrounding the issues.
Almas has been an ardent supporter of gender equality from the earliest age that she can remember. When she immigrated to Canada from Africa in her early teens, she noticed that many communities had apathetic attitudes toward girls and women, and did not allow them an environment for their intellectual and social growth. This experience inspired Almas to begin volunteering with initiatives to promote women. She believes that she owe’s her humble beginnings in international development to the exceptional work of institutions in the Aga Khan Development Network, and Focus Humanitarian Assistance. Eventually her volunteer efforts with the Aga Khan Council for Canada led to an elected position of President on the Board of Directors of UNIFEM Canada, now known as UN Women National Committee Canada.
Her role as an inaugural President of UN Women National Committee Canada was a heavily demanding and challenging role with many responsibilities which involved many sacrifices, challenges and barriers. At the same time, it gave her the opportunity to serve humanity. This has gave her the important opportunity and honor to advance the empowerment of women around the globe, and in Canada.
Today Almas is known as fiercely vocal and internationally renowned champion for gender equality and women’s social, economic, and political empowerment. She plays a crucial role in building networks among charitable institutions and socially responsible businesses. Ms. Jiwani is a powerful and influential speaker and she has travelled across the globe to deliver keynote addresses, speeches, and presentations on improving the status of women.She addressed over 400 parliamentarians from 42 countries on the benefits of economically empowering women and the roles and responsibilities of parliamentarians at the International Assembly in the Dominican Republic and Quebec City. A model of perseverance & determination, Ms. Jiwani’s efforts to strengthen women’s economic capacity as entrepreneurs & producers has earned her accolades. She has gained international recognition and commendations from governments and the media.
The Almas Jiwani Foundation is an initiative that aims to bridge the gap between nations and states by creating platforms and discourses surrounding the issues related to Energy, Entrepreneurship, Education and Equality.
“When even one person is emboldened or allows themselves to raise their voice on social issues, those that surround them witness and are exposed to the consequences of injustice, and that single person who began their journey alone, will soon have a small army behind them.” Almas Jiwani, President, Almas Jiwani Foundation