Eliminating violence against women and girls, upholding their human rights

November 25, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women:

“As long as women and girls fear for their safety, they cannot reach their full potential. In the absence of violence, women and girls are healthier, are more educated, earn higher wages and are more able to contribute meaningfully to their communities and families. They have a higher chance to succeed and to have the dignity they deserve to pursue their dreams.

“Canada believes that empowered women and girls are key to creating peaceful, prosperous and inclusive societies. This conviction guides our efforts at home and abroad.

“However, violence against women and girls remains one of the most widespread abuses of all human rights worldwide. It is a barrier to peace and development. And it bears enormous human and economic costs. According to UN Women, the cost of violence against women is equal to a $1.5-trillion loss in global gross domestic product—roughly the size of Canada’s economy.

“Canada is making visible and tangible contributions to gender equality and the protection and promotion of women’s and girls’ human rights around the world, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected communities.

“We are working with experienced Canadian, local and international partners to meet the medical, psychosocial and legal needs of sexual and gender-based violence survivors in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Pakistan, Iraq and Syria.

“Together, we can do our part to create a safer and more peaceful world for all women and girls. On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we encourage all Canadians to support the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which runs from today to international Human Rights Day, December 10. There is still much work to be done at home and abroad.”

Associated links

• International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
• UN Women: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
• Status of Women Canada: The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Contacts

Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca

Bernard Boutin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-5977
bernard.boutin@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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