When women and girls have an equal chance to learn, grow, and succeed, they help build an economy that works for everyone
Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a top priority for Canada and its G7 Presidency. To make gender equality a reality, all women and girls around the world must have equal access to quality education and learning opportunities. When women and girls have an equal chance to learn, grow, and succeed, they help build an economy that works for everyone.
Canada, along with the European Union, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the World Bank, have announced an investment of close to $3.8 billion CAD, marking a fundamental shift toward improving access and reducing barriers to quality education around the world. The announcement represents the single largest investment in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations. It has the potential to make a difference in the lives of millions of the world’s most vulnerable women and girls.
These investments will support global action to:
- Equip women and girls with the skills needed for the jobs of the future
- Improve training for teachers to provide better curriculum for women and girls
- Improve the quality of available data on women’s and girls’ education
- Promote greater coordination between humanitarian and development partners
- Support innovative education methods, especially for vulnerable and hard to reach groups, including refugees and displaced people
- Support developing countries in efforts to provide equal opportunities for girls to complete at least 12 years of quality education, from primary to secondary school
Canada will work with these partners along with others to support women’s and girls’ education around the world. They will also make sure the voices of women and girls are included when decisions are made on education and employment.
“We need to work together to ensure all women and girls have access to quality education and modern skills training. From primary school to secondary school and beyond, women and girls in crisis and conflict situations must have the same opportunities to succeed. Investing in their education is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. Given the chance, we know women and girls will drive positive change, and help build better lives for themselves, their families, their communities, and, in turn, the world,” argued Prime Minister Trudeau.
See also: Prime Minister announces funding for the Global Partnership for Education
Photo by Nikhita S on Unsplash
