OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan 1, 2016) -

Editor's note: There is one photo associated with this news release.

Today, the Almas Jiwani Foundation (AJF) is proud to announce its launch of a paradigm shifting organization that will usher in a new era of fighting poverty. Its namesake, Almas Jiwani, has been a tireless pioneer of the women's empowerment movement. Through her work travelling the world and inspiring others to see the light, Almas discovered that more must be done in the global fight against poverty. "The more I travelled and built relationships with partners working towards the same goals, I found each conversation had the same conclusion. We must do more," says Ms. Jiwani.

The AJF will focus on projects in the developing world around a basic set of principles: Empowering women and girls through focused projects that directly address gender equality, education and Eco-sustainable energy rights which impact their lives in positive and enriching ways. "What we see in the private sector and governments in the developed world is a direct correlation of the equal involvement of women in the decision making process, and the success of a company or government," said AJF Vice President Jason Dupuis. "What we want to do is bring that model to the developing world, and regions in need, so we can educate and empower girls to become the women who drive their economies," he said.

The foundation will focus on key issues such as equal opportunity, empowerment of girls and women, education, equal access to eco-sustainable energy, specifically renewable resources, and through those, empowering women to become entrepreneurs. "It is time for us to make a significant impact in the lives of those who need it most," says Ms. Jiwani. "It is our belief that through access to energy and education we can empower these girls and women to become entrepreneurs, improving both their own future, and that of their communities."

The AJF hopes to make a significant impact through projects that will provide girls and women with the ability to improve their lives and the lives of their families and communities. "The old proverb goes give a man to fish feed him for a day, teach him to fish, feed him for life. What we want to do is teach them to fish," said Dupuis. "We want to provide them with the tools and knowledge to be successful both personally, and economically. The best way to start is by empowering the girls and women, proving to them that they are equals."

The foundation hopes to announce its first of many projects in the coming months, and will be working with those in the private sector and with governments around the world to make a significant impact in the lives of those in need.

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