In too many countries around the world, violence against women whether physical, sexual, or psychological--is victimizing women and making them, along with children, the most vulnerable people in the world.
The Government of Canada will continue to pursue the elimination of violence against women. Equality between women and men has been a major focus for CIDA's development programming for more than thirty years.
In fact, all of CIDA's priority themes place a special priority on women and girls. As the Minister for International Cooperation, I recognize the power of women to bring a better life to their children, families, and communities.
CIDA's on-going support to provide female small-scale farmers the tools needed to feed their families, to provide micro-financing to help increase their household incomes, and to promote the participation of women in political processes all contribute to strengthening their futures and voices. The most powerful tool we can provide to women is literacy and education. That is why Canada is a leader in the field of education in countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Targeted efforts to prevent violence against women and to provide assistance to victims of violence are part of CIDA's work in some countries where such atrocities still occur.
I was proud to attend the recent United Nations Security Council meetings in New York to reiterate Canada's support for Resolution 1325 (PDF - 36 KB, 4 pages) and present Canada's action plan for the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security.
Canada has also supported the establishment of UN Women, the new agency for women that will ensure a more powerful voice for women across the United Nations and its Member States.
On this day, I ask all Canadians to remember the women around the world, who deserve the full extent of their human rights and a peaceful, secure, and safe life.
Beverley J. Oda
Minister of International Cooperation
