Toronto, ON, June 4, 2019 — Canada continues to be at the forefront of international assistance by advancing the health and rights of women, adolescents and children around the globe with a ten-year, $1.4 billion annual investment starting in 2023.
The new funding, announced today as part of the Women Deliver 2019 conference taking place this week in Vancouver, formally recognizes the importance of global women, adolescents and children’s health.
Danny Glenwright, executive director of Action Against Hunger, expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment. “This year has seen the erosion of women’s rights around the world, especially regarding sexual and reproductive health. This investment from the Government of Canada shows that it’s ready to fight for bodily autonomy for women, adolescents and girls around the globe.”
The investment will not only ensure that Canada’s tradition as a leader in women and children’s health continues, it comes with a purposeful approach that addresses critical gaps in the health needs of women and adolescents. The renewal of Canada’s reproductive, maternal, newborn and children’s health and nutrition funding to the year 2030, is accompanied by an additional investment in the most neglected areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Ending malnutrition is impossible without putting an end to gender inequalities and gender-based violence (GBV), as they are both a cause and consequence of hunger. Acknowledging the very real effects of social norms that create and perpetuate gender inequalities, as well as their impact on our ability to meet nutritional needs. Gender equality is a fundamental condition to the full realization of human rights for all, including sexual and reproductive health rights.
As the convener of the “Gender Agenda,” Action Against Hunger Canada is leading the Action Against Hunger international network of more than 7,500 staff in pushing for deeper organizational engagement with gender issues. This includes encouraging gender-based analysis and budgeting that consider the different roles, responsibilities, and experiences of men, women, boys and girls around the world and how these impact their vulnerability to hunger.