Canada is committed to protecting and advancing gender equality, human rights, and democracy. Creating communities that treat women and girls as equals is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and build stronger economies. Inclusive economies open new markets for businesses and strengthen Canada’s trade relationships. Gender equality also accelerates other development objectives like social inclusion, good health, quality education, peace and protecting the environment.
Today in Ottawa, to mark International Women’s Day, Anita Vandenbeld, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced 20 projects aimed at advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls, in all their diversity, representing a contribution of $193.45 million.
Parliamentary Secretary Vandenbeld also announced Canada’s intent to provide $10 million for Equality Fund’s upcoming First Response Fund. This fund will provide support to women-led and women’s rights organisations who are often best placed to provide timely humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people affected by crises.
Canada is a long-standing international leader on women’s rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender equality. Canada works with partners around the world to address the systemic barriers and harmful social norms that prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential at work, at home and as engaged members of their communities. Canada’s investments in signature initiatives, such as the Women's Voice and Leadership Program, the Equality Fund and the Alliance for Feminist Movements, have supported more than 3,000 women’s rights organization and networks in more than 30 countries and have influenced over 200 discriminatory policies and laws. Canada’s contributions have provided relevant, effective support for thousands of women and girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people and their communities.
As set out in its Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada continues to take action on gender equality globally and towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Canada’s largest and longest financial commitment in international development assistance represents a 10-Year (2020-2030), 1.4-billion annual investment in the health and rights of women and girls globally.
Quotes
“Investing in gender equality is not just the right thing to do, it’s also the smart thing to do. When women have equal opportunities to participate in the workforce, the potential for economic growth is significant. When we support gender equality initiatives abroad, we help create more inclusive and resilient economies in our partner countries – which opens up new markets for Canadian businesses and strengthens our trade relationships.”
- Anita Vandenbeld, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development
Quick facts
- Canada is a founding donor to the Equality Fund, which supports more than 650 women’s rights and feminist organizations across 90 countries, and co-chairs the Alliance for Feminist Movements, through which hundreds of governments, civil society and philanthropic organizations, and women’s funds collaborate on issues like funding, resources and building political support.
- In 2023-2024, Canada reached more than 40 million people with international assistance projects that helped to prevent, respond to, and end sexual and gender-based violence, including child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation/cutting.
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Associated links
- Canada announces expansion and renewal of Women’s Voice and Leadership program
- Women’s Voice and Leadership Program
- Equality Fund
- Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy
- Canada’s 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights
- SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Contacts
Shanti Cosentino
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Development
shanti.cosentino@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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