Canada to increase global funding for women, girls’ health

The Government of Canada will increase its funding to $1.4 billion annually, starting in 2023, to support women and girls’ health around the world.

This historic investment, a 10-year commitment, will support sexual and reproductive health rights and maternal, newborn, and child health.

The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, who announced this at the Women Deliver 2019 Conference, which is currently on-going in Vancouver, Canada, said $700 million of the annual investment would be dedicated to sexual and reproductive health rights, as of 2023.

Women Deliver is the world’s largest gathering on the health, rights, and well-being of women and girls. As this year’s host, Canada is continuing to take action on gender equality, and bringing together advocates from around the world.

2030 Agenda

Prime Minister Trudeau said the investment would advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to promote sexual and reproductive health rights, and build on Canada’s leadership on global gender equality.

The funding, he added, would ensure that women and girls around the world, would have access to the quality health services they needed, including safe and legal abortion, and support women’s right to make their own decisions about their bodies.

From providing comprehensive sexual education, to supporting maternal and neonatal care, the investment will advance the rights and health of women and girls around the world, the Canadian Prime Minister said.

He observed that “advancing gender equality was key to strengthening the middle class, growing the economy, and building a better world. Canada is a champion for gender equality at home and abroad. Investing in women and girls’ health, and protecting their sexual and reproductive health rights, is a critical part of that.”

Government’s support

Prime Minister Trudeau stressed the importance of governments stepping up to support feminist advocates on the frontlines, both in Canada and around the world.

During the conference, the Prime Minister met with the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, and the President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde. He also met with local feminist advocates and organisations.

“This is an historic investment in girls and women, which will pay dividends for years to come. Not only will this investment save and better lives, but it will create a rippling effect that will lift up individuals, communities, countries, and whole economies. I applaud Prime Minister Trudeau and Canada for this bold step and the commitment to a more gender equal world,” said Katja Iversen, President/CEO of Women Deliver.