The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of the Girl Child:

“Every girl deserves a chance to learn and grow; succeed without barriers; live without limits to their success. But in too many parts of the world, women and girls are still underestimated and excluded from opportunities.

“Canada firmly believes that a fairer and more equal world is also a better one.

“At home, we are improving access to safe, inclusive and quality education and vocational training for women and girls. Since 2018, we have invested more than $433 million in more than 930 projects to advance gender equality across Canada. We launched the Menstrual Equity Fund pilot, which improved access to menstrual health products for more than 3.5 million people in need. Earlier this year, we announced the National School Food Program, which will provide healthy school meals to children across the country. Through Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, we support initiatives to prevent youth dating violence, family violence and child abuse.

“On the global stage, under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we are removing barriers that limit opportunities for women and girls around the world. Last month, at the United Nations General Assembly, we announced more than $112 million to help protect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls around the world – so they can make choices about their body, their life, and their lives. own future.

“Girls can be anything they want. Our role as government leaders is to remove barriers so they have a fair chance to succeed. On this International Day of the Girl, let’s continue our progress.