News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER PRAISES CANADIANS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF AFGHAN WOMEN AND GIRLS

March 6, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today praised two Canadians who are making a real difference in the lives of Afghan women and girls. During a meeting in his Parliament Hill office, the Prime Minister thanked the duo for complementing Canada's efforts in the war-torn country.

"I would like to thank these remarkable women for providing hope and support to thousands who were denied basic human rights and brutalized by the Taliban for the simple, heinous reason that they were female," said Prime Minister Harper.

The Prime Minister met with Alaina Podmorow, the 11-year-old founder of Little Women for Little Women in Afghanistan, and Lauryn Oates, the vice-president of Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan. The sister organizations raise funds for health and education programs for women and girls in Afghanistan, and promote human rights for Afghan women.

"Working with our Afghan allies and Canadian aid organizations, Canada is helping to build a secure, prosperous, democratic Afghanistan. It's an honour and a privilege to meet two women who are working to make this endeavour a success," said Prime Minister Harper.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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