TAORMINA, IT, Nov. 17, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to advancing gender equality and making it a reality both at home and around the world.
Over the past two days, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, met with other G7 Heads of Delegations during the first ever G7 Ministerial Meeting on Gender Equality in Taormina, Italy.
They addressed their common challenges and worked in partnership to identify best practices that could accelerate progress toward achieving gender equality in G7 countries and around the world. This included taking part in working sessions focused on women's economic and political empowerment; and combating gender-based violence and human trafficking. Heads of delegation exchanged ideas and practices about how to ensure gender equality at every stage of life and for all generations. Together the heads of delegation also spoke about the meaningful participation of men and boys in ensuring gender equality. They highlighted the need for more women in leadership positions, and for the use of gender-based analysis to inform decision-making. The inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was also discussed.
The G7 Heads of Delegations released a joint declaration expressing their commitment to implementing the measures and actions agreed upon in the G7 Roadmap for a Gender-Responsive Economic Environment. They reiterated their commitment to closing gender gaps, eradicating all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination, and achieving gender equality in all their countries.
As this was the last of the ministerial meetings under Italy's G7 Presidency, Ms. Maria Elena Boschi, Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Italy, took advantage of this opportunity to acknowledge Canada, who will assume the G7 Presidency in 2018. France will take on the presidency in 2019.
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"I was pleased to represent Canada at this, the first ever, G7 Ministerial Meeting on Gender Equality, and I thank Italy for its inspiring leadership. We are here to address the challenges and issues affecting women and girls around the world My counterparts and I had productive, candid, and action-oriented conversations which highlighted our shared challenges. We all agree: women's full participation in our societies is paramount for us to thrive. Italy provided strong direction during their G7 Presidency, and our feminist Government looks forward to continuing to advance gender equality as a G7 priority when we next gather in Charlevoix, Québec, in 2018. We are confident that, with the engagement of Canadians, we will continue making meaningful strides toward gender equality."
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women
Quick Facts
- While in Italy, Minister Monsef had a number of bilateral meetings with her counterparts where they discussed some of the most pressing issues facing women and girls globally.
- The G7 dates back to the mid-1970s, and the G7 Presidency, which rotates annually between member countries, sets the agenda for the year in consultation with G7 partners. Italy holds the presidency in 2017, and Canada will hold it in 2018.
- G7 ministerial-level meetings are held to build on the Leaders' agenda.
- During his visit to the Charlevoix region in June 2017, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that gender equality will be showcased at the G7 Summit in 2018, along with strengthening the middle class, fighting climate change and promoting respect for diversity and inclusion.
- The 2018 G7 Summit will be held on June 8 and 9, 2018 at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie, in the Charlevoix region of Quebec.
Associated Links
- G7 Roadmap for a Gender-Responsive Economic Environment
- Italian G7 Presidency 2017
- Road to the 2018 G7 Summit in Charlevoix
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SOURCE Status of Women Canada
Célia Canon, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Status of Women, 613-862-3270; Léonie Roux, Public Affairs Officer, Status of Women Canada, 819-420-6821
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