Canada delivers on commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights at the International Conference on Family Planning in Rwanda

News release

November 13, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Canada recognizes that supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is the best way to reduce poverty. Empowerment is a key element of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), which give women and girls control over their bodies, their lives and futures.

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development, today announced up to $104.4 million in funding for projects that take a comprehensive approach to SRHR, including universal access to family planning and access to safe and legal abortion.

Minister Bibeau made the announcement at the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) in Kigali, Rwanda, taking place from November 12 to 15, 2018, where she is advocating for the vital role of family planning as part of a comprehensive package of SRHR to empower women and girls, including in humanitarian settings.

This investment is part of Canada’s $650 million commitment to address gaps in funding for SRHR, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in March 2017.

During her visit to Rwanda, Minister Bibeau also announced $20.25 million in funding for projects supporting gender-responsive education and humanitarian assistance.

Quotes

“For Canada, sexual and reproductive health and rights are human rights. When women—especially the most marginalized—have full, free and voluntary access to modern contraceptives as part of a comprehensive package that includes access to safe and legal abortion, they gain control over their bodies and lives. This empowers them to reach their full potential, contribute meaningfully to their families and communities and help build a better world.”

- Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development

Quick facts

  • The ICFP is the largest scientific conference on reproductive health and family planning in the world, with over 3,700 participants expected to attend. 

  • Over 110 countries will be represented at this year’s ICFP.

  • Every day, about 830 women die from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth.

  • Access to family planning enables women to decide whether, when and with whom to have children, and how many. 

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Contacts

Justine Lesage
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
343-203-5977
justine.lesage@international.gc.ca

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