OTTAWA, April 27, 2018 /CNW/ - Advancing gender equality and women's empowerment is a central theme of Canada's G7 presidency and essential for building a prosperous and secure future in Canada and around the world. This commitment is being driven by the Government of Canada's goal of ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared by everyone, regardless of gender.
In the lead up to the G7 Leaders' Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, participated in two key meetings of influential global feminist leaders – the Gender Equality Advisory Council for Canada's G7 presidency (Council) and the Women 7 (W7) Summit, both of which were convened in Ottawa this week.
Minister Monsef contributed to the first in-person meeting of the Council where prominent feminist activists, experts and advocates met with the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and W7 delegates, to deliberate on how to ensure that gender equality is successfully integrated across all themes, activities and outcomes of Canada's G7 presidency.
The W7, one of seven Formal G7 Engagement Groups coordinated by civil society, welcomed approximately 70 feminist leaders from Canada, G7 countries, and the Global South to prepare policy recommendations for the G7. Minister Monsef participated in a panel discussion on the theme of this year's W7 meeting, Feminist Visions for the G7, where she reaffirmed the Government of Canada's commitment to working with civil society to further gender equality and reinforced the goal of mainstreaming gender equality across all G7 work this year.
Earlier today, the W7 released its communiqué to the G7, calling on them to adopt progressive approaches, incorporating feminist principles on all G7 issues and beyond. Their complete set of recommendations will follow in May.
The G7 will carefully review the advice of the Council and the W7 as it works to advance gender equality and women's empowerment.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, also participated in meetings this week with both the Council and the W7.
Quotes
"For too long, the women's movement has been denied access to these decision-making tables. They are now pushing on open doors as the G7 looks to feminist advocates, experts and activists for their practical experience, insights, and solutions to the most pressing issues facing women and girls. The Prime Minister asked the W7 and the Gender Equality Advisory Council for Canada`s G7 presidency to be bold in their recommendations and they are delivering. I look forward to continuing to work with these feminist leaders from around the world in the lead up to the G7 Leaders' Summit and beyond to help make real progress and build an equal, secure and prosperous world where all women and girls can reach their full potential."
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women
"With Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy, we recognize that supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is the best way to eradicate poverty and ensure growth that works for everyone. I look forward to receiving the recommendations from the Council and the W7 Summit that will help us build a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous world."
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, P.C., M.P.
Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
"We all have a role to play in advancing gender equality – both at home and abroad. I was proud to be a part of discussions earlier this week that focused on prioritizing the socio-economic empowerment and leadership of women and girls as we continue our efforts to create a world that is equal, inclusive and sustainable."
The Honourable Jim Carr, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Natural Resources
"Our economy is stronger when women are empowered in the workforce. We know that women still face obstacles, and our government is committed to gender equality in all spaces. Throughout G7 countries, we need to work together to build cultures where women have equal opportunity to succeed because when women are at the table, all of us benefit."
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
"While women are disproportionately affected by climate change – they are also leading action against it. As I've seen first-hand women are truly making a difference on climate. And next Month, at the Women Kicking it on Climate G7 summit, women will be advancing action under the Paris Agreement, supporting clean innovation and good jobs, and ensuring a sustainable future for our kids and grandkids."
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick Facts
- Canada has appointed the Council to promote a truly transformative G7 agenda and support leaders and ministers in ensuring that gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are integrated across all of the G7's work.
- The Council will provide recommendations and advice to Canada's G7 presidency on concrete actions that will produce real results for women and girls.
- Co-chaired by Canada's Ambassador to France, Isabelle Hudon and Melinda Gates, the Council's membership is made up of feminist champions, technical experts and community activists, including representatives from civil society, government and youth, from G7 and other countries.
- The W7 brings together approximately 70 feminist leaders from across Canada, G7 countries, and the Global South to discuss and form policy recommendations to help advance gender equality and women's empowerment. Their voices, perspectives and leadership will contribute key recommendations on ways to ensure that the G7 responds to the realities of women and girls around the world.
Associated Links
- Canada's 2018 G7 Presidency
- Gender Equality Advisory Council
- Statement by the Prime Minister on gender equality as top priority of Canada`s G7 Presidency
- W7
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Inquiries: Célia Canon, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Status of Women, 613-862-3270; Valérie Haché, Communications Officer, Status of Women Canada, 819-420-8684
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