Canada seeking election to United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
News Release
Stepped up role would underscore global commitment to gender equality
March 15, 2016 – Ottawa, ON – Status of Women Canada
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, announced that Canada is seeking election to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW), underscoring Canada’s commitment to advancing gender equality globally, and the protection and promotion of the rights of women and girls.
Minister Hajdu made the announcement as part of Canada’s Head of Delegation statement to the Commission on its 60th anniversary. Gaining a seat will strengthen Canada’s voice in shaping the Commission’s work to identify the challenges women and girls face around the world, and how to successfully address these issues.
Established in 1946, UNCSW is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. It plays an instrumental role promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Quotes
“Canada is renewing its commitment to being a world leader in the advancement of gender equality around the world. As part of this commitment, Canada is running for a seat on the UNCSW for the 2017 to 2021 term. If elected, we will be able to play a stepped up leadership role supporting women and girls in reaching their full potential, and in the full realization of women’s rights as human rights around the world.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women
Inquiries
Erik Mistal
Special Assistant
Office of the Minister of Status of Women
819-997-2494
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
819-420-6810
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