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.

“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

• 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. 

Related products

• Backgrounder - Canada’s leadership on family planning
• Backgrounder - Canada announces funding for projects in Rwanda

Associated links

• Gender equality and empowering women and girls
• Canada’s feminist international assistance policy
• Support for sexual and reproductive health and rights

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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