Addressing the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie: Senator Jaffer
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In July I had the immense pleasure of speaking at the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie that took place in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
It was an incredible experience to represent Canada at this year’s meeting. I have always felt pride in being part of the community of French-speakers around the world.
Six Members of Parliament and I represented Canada at this year’s meeting.
On behalf of Canadians I had the privilege to present a report that examined ways to end violence against women — we must include men and boys in this endeavour.
I also presented a report that talked about improvements in women’s rights in Canada.During the policy committee, a resolution to work towards ending acts of terrorism was introduced. I intervened to encourage members of the assembly to include women in as we look at different ways to put an end to these acts of savagery.
I emphasized my own experience working with women who help other women and girls teach a more accurate interpretation of the Koran to child soldiers so that they can return to their communities at peace.
I also had the privilege of meeting members of the Ismaili community. I spent the afternoon with young people to encourage them to follow their dreams — and I learned a great deal from them as well.
The following day I went to a hospital with Madagascar politician Lydia Rahantasoa. We met patients suffering from fistula, a health problem affecting women who suffered complications during pregnany.
Their woes could be treated by doctors but many women must give birth at home. There are 50,000 women in Madagascar with fistulas — and each year another 5,000 join their ranks.
At this hospital, only five women can receive operations each month — just 60 women each year.
I got to meet an incredible woman while I was there. She had to return home at the end of the month because her food — usually provided by an organization — was no longer going to be available.
Since I returned to Canada, I have become even more proud of my country and especially of our youth, our services and our bilingual heritage.
The Honourable Senator Mobina Jaffer retired from the Senate of Canada in August 2024. Visit the Library of Parliament's Parlinfo website to learn more about her work in Parliament.
In July I had the immense pleasure of speaking at the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie that took place in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
It was an incredible experience to represent Canada at this year’s meeting. I have always felt pride in being part of the community of French-speakers around the world.
Six Members of Parliament and I represented Canada at this year’s meeting.
On behalf of Canadians I had the privilege to present a report that examined ways to end violence against women — we must include men and boys in this endeavour.
I also presented a report that talked about improvements in women’s rights in Canada.During the policy committee, a resolution to work towards ending acts of terrorism was introduced. I intervened to encourage members of the assembly to include women in as we look at different ways to put an end to these acts of savagery.
I emphasized my own experience working with women who help other women and girls teach a more accurate interpretation of the Koran to child soldiers so that they can return to their communities at peace.
I also had the privilege of meeting members of the Ismaili community. I spent the afternoon with young people to encourage them to follow their dreams — and I learned a great deal from them as well.
The following day I went to a hospital with Madagascar politician Lydia Rahantasoa. We met patients suffering from fistula, a health problem affecting women who suffered complications during pregnany.
Their woes could be treated by doctors but many women must give birth at home. There are 50,000 women in Madagascar with fistulas — and each year another 5,000 join their ranks.
At this hospital, only five women can receive operations each month — just 60 women each year.
I got to meet an incredible woman while I was there. She had to return home at the end of the month because her food — usually provided by an organization — was no longer going to be available.
Since I returned to Canada, I have become even more proud of my country and especially of our youth, our services and our bilingual heritage.
The Honourable Senator Mobina Jaffer retired from the Senate of Canada in August 2024. Visit the Library of Parliament's Parlinfo website to learn more about her work in Parliament.