Cheryl Gallant says Afghan scarves reveal larger picture

October 30, 2007

OTTAWA – Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant rose in the House of Commons today to highlight the positive changes that are occurring in Afghanistan as female artisans find a world market for their work in their continuing efforts to gain economic and political freedom in Afghanistan.

The Member of Parliament gave the following tribute to the women of Afghanistan and their work:

Mr. Speaker:

Last Thursday, the Chief Government Whip, and his wife Leah, together with Afghan Ambassador Omar Samad and his wife, Khorshied, co-hosted a hugely successful shawl sale at the National Arts Centre here in Ottawa. These beautiful scarves are hand-woven by talented women in Afghanistan using pure silk from Herat, an ancient city in western Afghanistan. At last week’s event, 296 scarves at $80 each were sold, and a total of $23,680 was raised! Every dollar will be returned to these entrepreneurs, providing them with critical financial support while promoting literacy among Afghan women and children. Thank you to the NAC, Apotex and all the MPs and staff who supported this effort to help women and their families in Afghanistan.

“This is just one example of how Canada’s presence in Afghanistan is providing women the opportunities to create, to produce and to earn money. The Canadian soldiers who are maintaining security in Afghanistan by reducing the influence of the Taliban are the protectors of this genesis of freedom in Afghanistan,” says Gallant.

“It is unfortunate that so many members of the Opposition would rather repeat the false propaganda of the Taliban than the great work of our Canadian Forces women and men who are rebuilding Afghanistan, and defending its people against a terrorist force that would subjugate women and ban them from going to school and holding jobs,” said Gallant.

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For More Information Please Call Cheryl Gallant, M.P. at (613) 732-4404