May 8, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department for Women and Gender Equality
Advancing gender equality and investing in women is essential to growing the middle class, strengthening the economy, and building a healthier, more secure future in Canada and around the world. Gender equality and women's empowerment were central themes of Canada's G7 presidency in 2018, and Canada is pleased that France is also working towards these goals during its presidency.
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, is continuing these important discussions at the G7 Gender Equality Ministerial Meeting on May 9 and 10, 2019, in Paris, France, in the lead up to the G7 Leaders' Summit. The meeting of Gender Equality Ministers is an opportunity for global leadership to convene to discuss some of the most important issues facing women and girls, and Minister Monsef and her counterparts will work to develop strong outcomes to address violence against women, and specifically online violence and cyber harassment, and accelerate the economic empowerment of women and their access to entrepreneurship.
While in Paris, the Minister will also take part in key meetings with influential global feminist leaders participating at the Women 7 (W7) Summit taking place in Paris on May 9, and with the 2019 Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC). France is continuing the GEAC, which was established by Canada during its G7 Presidency in 2018. This year's GEAC members will support the preparation of the G7 outcomes on gender equality.
By addressing gender inequality, the G7 is taking actions to boost economic growth to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 5 on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment. The International Monetary Fund estimates that reducing barriers to women's participation in the labour force could increase GDP by an average of 35 percent in countries with the most significant gender inequalities.
Taking place just a few weeks before Canada hosts the Women Deliver 2019 Conference, the world's largest conference on the health, rights and well-being of women and girls, the Minister's engagement with global feminist leaders will continue to build momentum for sustained and tangible action to advance gender equality around the world.
"In today's globalized world, we need to work together to make lasting progress. That's why this meeting of gender equality ministers in the lead up to both the G7 Leaders' Summit, and the Women Deliver 2019 Conference, is a real opportunity to set out the concrete actions that will improve the well-being of women and girls globally. I look forward to working with my G7 counterparts over the coming days to help advance gender equality, address important issues like cyberviolence and women's economic security, and build a more equal, prosperous and healthy future for all."
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality
Quick facts
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The G7 brings together Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.
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The G7 dates back to the mid-1970s, and the G7 presidency, which rotates annually between member countries, sets the agenda for the year in consultation with G7 partners. Canada held the G7 presidency in 2018 and France holds the presidency in 2019.
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The G7 Leaders' Summit will take place in Biarritz, France, August 24 to 26, 2019.
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Canada will host the Women Deliver 2019 Conference from June 3 to 6, 2019, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Held every three years, it is the world's largest gathering on gender equality and the health, rights and well-being of women and girls.
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The Women Deliver conference is part of a global movement to promote gender equality worldwide and give voice to a broad spectrum of people, including Indigenous peoples, youth and those living in conflict and crisis settings. It will bring together more than 7,000 individuals-world leaders, influencers, advocates, academics, activists, youth and journalists-from more than 160 countries, with an additional 100,000 people joining virtually.
