Canada marks the International Day of the Girl Child by supporting initiatives in Mali and Afghanistan
October 10, 2014 - Edmonton, Alberta – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
To mark the International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced Canada’s contribution to help girls flourish by supporting greater access to educational opportunities in Mali and in Afghanistan.
Canada supports a range of initiatives that secure opportunities for Malian and Afghan children and youth with an emphasis on the education of girls and women, as well as maternal and child health. Canada contributes to initiatives to help girls thrive by supporting greater access to education, nutrition and health services, as well as initiatives to help prevent and respond to violence and the sexual exploitation of girls and women.
"Canada values equally the contributions of both women and men in society. As such, we are focused on supporting programs that improve the lives of women and girls in countries like Mali and Afghanistan,” said Minister Ambrose. "This is why we are committed to giving girls a solid foundation to succeed in life by promoting education, equality and the rights of girls – and why we will continue to make the health of mothers and children a central piece of our foreign policy priorities.”
"Sixty-five million girls do not attend primary and secondary school in the poorest countries of the world. On this International Day of the Girl, we’re pleased to see that the Government of Canada is maintaining a strong priority on investing in girls and helping to advance their rights and opportunities through quality education,” says Rosemary McCarney, Plan Canada President and CEO. "In Mali, only 48% of girls and 64% of boys complete primary school, and only about one third of those who finish move on to secondary studies. Our joint efforts to ensure that over 58,000 girls and boys in Mali have access to a quality early childhood and primary education – one that is relevant to their needs, rights and aspirations – will help ensure they are able to develop, succeed, and raise themselves and everyone around them out of poverty.”
Across the world, girls do not have access to quality education, nutrition, and basic health services. They are also more vulnerable to poverty, violence, and discrimination. The constraints placed on many girls in some parts of the world are troubling. Yet, there is proof that girls have consistently demonstrated their ability to transform not only their own lives, but also the welfare of their entire communities. Investing in girls and supporting their empowerment through solid education are key elements to reducing global poverty.
Louis Longchamps
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6581
louis.longchamps@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATD_DEV
Like us on Facebook: Canada is Dedicated to International Development - DFATD
