ESWATINI ELIGIBLE FOR E20 BILLION SHARE

mfanukhona@times.co.sz

MBABANE – In order to grow economies, the government of Canada has pledged to raise E20 billion to help women and girls around the world.

In a press statement released to the Times of Swaziland SUNDAY on June 4, 2019, the Canadian government said it would invest the money to advance gender equality as it was key to strengthening the middle class, growing the economy and building a better world.
Eswatini is one of the countries that stand to benefit from the annual grant, which begins in 2023.

In fact, Canada, which is the champion for gender equality at home and abroad, made a pledge to release E20 billion (US$1.4 billion) on an annual basis.
The announcement of the investment was made this week by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the Women Deliver 2019 Conference held in Vancouver, Canada.

action on gender equality

Women Deliver is the world’s largest gathering on the health, rights, and well-being of women and girls. As this year’s host, Canada is continuing to take action on gender equality, and bringing together advocates from around the world.

“Investing in women and girls’ health, and protecting their sexual and reproductive health rights, is a critical part of that,” said the prime minister.

 A10-year commitment, this historic investment will support sexual and reproductive health rights and maternal, newborn, and child health – with US$700 million (E10.4 billion) of the annual investment (E20 billion) dedicated to sexual and reproductive health rights, as of 2023.
 
Sustainable development

Trudeau explained that this investment would advance the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development, promote sexual and reproductive health rights, and build on Canada’s leadership on global gender equality.

He further elucidated that the funding would help make sure women and girls around the world had access to the quality health services they needed, including safe and legal abortion, and support women’s right to make their own decisions about their bodies.

From providing comprehensive sexual education, to supporting maternal and neonatal care, the premier mentioned that the investment would advance the rights and health of women and girls around the world.

The prime minister took part in the opening plenary and a panel discussion, and he honoured  the work and leadership of gender equality activists and advocates.

He stressed the importance of governments stepping up to support feminist advocates on the frontlines, both in Canada and around the world.
 During the conference, he also met President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, and the President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde.

He also met with local feminist advocates and organisations.
“Advocates like those at Women Deliver are leaders in the fight for gender equality and women’s rights – and as a government, we have to stand with you as a partner and an ally.

Today, our government is committing US$1.4 billion annually to support women and girls’ health around the world. All women, no matter where they live, should have access to the safe, quality health care they need.

health rights

By investing in sexual and reproductive health rights, and maternal, newborn, and child health, we can build a more just, equal, and prosperous world, “—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

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