ISLAMABAD, March 22 (INP): The High Commission of Canada continued the celebrations around International Women’s Day with the launch of its new documentary “The Journey of Pakistani Women” on Thursday. This retrospective documentary highlights the history of the Pakistani women’s movement and Canada’s support over the last three decades. A 17-minute film produced by Islamabad’s White Rice Communications, shares insights from several key Pakistani leaders including Hina Jilani, Farida Shaheed, Khawar Mumtaz and Harris Khalique. Organizations such as the Kashif Foundation, Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO Pakistan), the Aurat Foundation, South Asia Partnership Pakistan and the International Labour Organization (ILO) share their thoughts on how best to help empower women and girls. Audience members will be delighted to hear directly from women entrepreneurs and politicians who have benefited directly from Canadian support. In keeping with the documentary’s message that the journey continues for the women of Pakistan, the High Commission was pleased to convene a youth panel discussion. Canada remains committed to creating opportunities for Pakistani women to raise their voices as full members of society. Founder & Chief Executive Officer of the Agahi Foundation, Panelist Puruesh Chaudhary said, “Social media is increasingly becoming a bridge between girls that are being educated and the ones contributing their talent in the digital space along with workforce in a traditional environment, fueling growth and development of the communities, cities and countries.” Mome Saleem, Program Coordinator for Resource Equity, Energy Innovation and Climate Change at Heinrich Böll Stiftung Pakistan, said “Countries like Pakistan have come far in achieving many of the targets however the gender policy needs to be made central pillar of the fragile and infant democracy, and the legal system of the country.  Women have diversified their roles however men also need to be taken on board for a balancing act through creative strategies at policy level and also at the grass roots. Cross sectoral approach is a must when it comes to policy formulation.” Lawyer and activist Benazir Jatoi stated that “The greatest obstacle for Pakistan’s women is that the legal frameworks that have been established over the years have not been translated into de facto enforceable rights. Despite the law telling us that we enjoy fundamental rights, free of violence and are guaranteed equality, and over all human dignity, the social and institutional framework in which these laws operate do not allow for such rights to be enforced by those they seek to protect.” High Commissioner of Canada, Perry Calderwood noted that Canada is building on 30 years of support for the empowerment and inclusion of women in Pakistan. “Empowerment is having the opportunity to make better choices through education, financial independence and the exercise of democratic rights. I am proud to say that Canada is committed to promoting gender equality not only as a human right, but also as an essential element of sustainable development. With the adoption of our Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada supports the women’s movement around the world in its work to overcome the economic and political marginalization of women. The High Commission looks forward to continuing our collaboration with the women’s movement in Pakistan and its supporters,” he said. INP/Zamir/SB