Statement by Minister Ien, Head of the Delegation of Canada, to UNCSW 69th Session

March 12, 2025 – New York (New York) — Women and Gender Equality Canada

Mister Chair,

I acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional territory of the Lenape people.

In 1995, something amazing happened - the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action set out an ambitious roadmap for achieving the equal rights of all women and girls.

Thirty years later, one would expect the conversation would be about how to go even further, yet, the reality is, and we can all see it, that women’s rights are in peril. Now is not the time to retreat, we must show our resolve, we must stand together in the face of adversity.

Over the last year, we have seen growing threats to gender equality, to the rights of women and girls, and to the freedoms of 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

Politicians are questioning the value of intersectionality and of supporting an inclusive society.

Sexual and reproductive rights are being rolled back, while women’s health is being forgotten.

Discrimination, hate, and violence continue to fuel anti-feminist ideologies and are threatening the safety of women and girls globally.

And thirty years later, there are women still facing barriers that impact their education, career advancement, and their income. These barriers disproportionately impact Indigenous, Black, racialized people, 2SLGBTQI+ communities and women with disabilities.

We know that challenges to achieving equality are complex, but we also know that we cannot lose the progress that we’ve made.

Canada and its partners have been long-standing global leaders for advancing gender equality. In our efforts to end gender-based violence, Canada has made historic progress by implementing our National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, ensuring victims, survivors, and their families have access to the services they need, while at the same time addressing its root causes, including systemic inequalities and discrimination.

And amid increased attacks on people’s rights and growing global uncertainty, Canadian leadership in promoting and protecting human rights as a core element of Canada’s feminist foreign policy is more important now than ever.

That’s why on March 7, Canada signed the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women – also known as the Belém do Pará Convention.

Canada is also increasing efforts to help set women up for success by fostering women’s economic empowerment and unlocking access to finances, training, and mentorship.

We are also improving affordability and housing access while addressing systemic barriers to women’s employment.

Canada is investing in the early learning and childcare sector to help parents, particularly mothers, participate in the job market. Over the past 2 years, the labour force participation rate for women in Canada hit a record high, surpassing 85 per cent – providing further proof that when you support women, economies thrive.

To achieve true and lasting gender equality, Canada cannot do it alone, which is why through our Feminist International Assistance Policy, we are providing investments to build a more peaceful, more inclusive, and more prosperous world.  

Our progress has been a result of the incredible efforts of many partners. This includes Indigenous Peoples, civil society organizations, women’s and human rights organizations, as well as provincial and territorial representatives.

When women, girls, and gender diverse individuals are supported and safe, not only do they soar, but they inspire others to do the same.

Thank you. Merci beaucoup.