OTTAWA - Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country says a visit to Parliament Hill today by Alaina Podmorow, founder of Little Women for Little Women in Afghanistan was a resounding success.

”Alaina is a great spokesperson for the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan. We are so proud of what she is doing. She is a credit to the Okanagan and to Canada,” said Cannan.

As a guest of the Honourable Bev Oda, Minister for International Development, the 11 year-old from Lake Country spent a whirlwind day of special events marking International Women's Day in recognition of Afghan women, including media events, receptions, and a photo opportunity with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Ms Podmorow was also recognized during question period by Mr. Cannan and Minister Oda.

With Miss Podmorow sitting in the Gallery of the House of Commons, Mr. Cannan stood and paid tribute by reading a statement which thanked Alaina for the work being done by her “and her small army of little women who have motivated our community to work together to raise over $30,000 to pay for Afghan teachers and school supplies.”

Said Mr. Cannan, “she is a bright light in an otherwise challenging time as Canada and the Afghan people work together to restore peace and bring stability back to the country of Afghanistan.”

Said Minister Oda, (Alaina Podmorow)”is an outstanding example of how average Canadians are determined to make a better life for Afghan women and girls. I invite all members to come and meet this amazing young Canadian later today.”

The visit was further bolstered by a positive announcement from the Government when Minister Oda announced that CIDA would match dollar for dollar funds raised by Little Women for Little Women in Afghanistan and their affiliate Canadian Women For Women in Afghanistan to bring the number of female teachers trained to 500.

The Government also announced a $5 million Responsive Fund for the Advancement of Women, and $500,000 to support the Excel-rate Education initiative being undertaken by the Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan to establish a teacher-training program as recommended in the Manley Report.

“Alaina had an idea to reach out to others in need,” said Mr. Cannan. “She then gathered help through other young women in our community and together they have done something very significant. They didn’t just think about it, they did it and their actions have become the catalyst for even more support for the young women of Afghanistan,” he said.

“For decades they have suffered suppression, been denied education, and basic rights and freedoms. Thanks to the efforts of Alaina and her team of Little Women For Little Women of Afghanistan, Afghan women and girls are beginning to realize a fuller life and future,” concluded Mr. Cannan.