Government of Canada Champions Gender Equality at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
NEW YORK CITY, March 23, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada will continue to champion gender equality and take concrete steps to ensure women and girls can succeed in Canada and around the world. That's why the Canadian delegation, led by the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, highlighted the progress that Canada has made for women and girls throughout the 62nd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW), which wrapped-up today in New York City.
During the 62nd Session, the Canadian delegation ? which included federal Cabinet ministers, Senators, Members of the House of Commons, representatives from provinces and territories, non-governmental organizations, and National Indigenous leaders and representatives ? worked with partners from around the world to address this year's priority theme: "Challenges and opportunities in achieving gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls." During Minister Monsef's head of delegation statement, she highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities that exist for Indigenous women and girls living in rural and remote communities, and underscored the Government of Canada's commitment to working with them to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Status of Women and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, also participated in a number of events throughout the session, including on the involvement of women in the political process, cyberviolence, the incarceration of Indigenous women in rural areas, and how to engage men and boys as partners in advancing gender equality.
The Minister looks forward to a successful outcome of the UNCSW's agreed conclusions, including commitments to eliminate human trafficking, ending modern slavery of women and girls and forced labour, as well as eradicating poverty and fulfilling human rights, such as the sexual and reproductive health and rights of rural women and girls.
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"I am honoured to have led the Canadian delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women again this year, and am especially grateful to the Indigenous partners, women's groups and labour leaders, who attended and shared their collective experience and wisdom with us. Canada's feminist government is prioritizing gender equality, and this session of UNSCW provided an invaluable opportunity to seek common ground, share best practices, and learn from the experiences of the international community. As an elected official for a mixed urban-rural riding, I was particularly pleased to renew our commitment to the empowerment of women living in rural and remote areas, and look forward to putting into action the knowledge that Canada has brought home."
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women
Quick Facts
- Canada was elected to hold a seat on the UNCSW Commission for the 2017-2021 term. This provides Canada with a valuable opportunity to shape the Commission's work on issues that affect women and girls globally.
- Established in 1946, the UNCSW is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. It plays an instrumental role in promoting women's rights, documenting the reality of women's lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Associated Links
- Canada and the United Nations
- Commission on the Status of Women
- Commission on the Status of Women: Sixty-second session
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
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SOURCE Status of Women Canada
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