ADDIS ABABA (Global Affairs Canada)–Canada recognizes that supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is the best way to reduce poverty.
On 16 November 2018, the Honorable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development, concluded a three-day visit to Ethiopia by announcing $23 million in funding for two initiatives that will help advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in Ethiopia, including women’s economic empowerment.
The first initiative, Innovative Finance for Women Entrepreneurs, will help 25,000 women entrepreneurs better support their families and communities by improving their access to financial services, new technologies and leadership training. The second initiative, Women’s Voice and Leadership, will support 48 local women’s organizations across four regions of Ethiopia to strengthen their capacity to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in their communities.
◌ The Yellow Movement AAU: Speaking up for women and girls – empowering women (Ethiopia)
Throughout her visit, the Minister engaged with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, local government officials, survivors of gender-based violence, local women’s groups and entrepreneurs to discuss how Canada and Ethiopia can continue their strong collaboration to close the gender gap to ensure no one is left behind.
“Canada is a staunch champion of gender equality and is proud of its long-standing collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s Prime Minister is undertaking impressive reforms and is showing leadership in promoting gender equality at the highest levels. Today’s announcement will help further these efforts to ensure all Ethiopians, especially women, girls and youth, have equal access to social, political and economic opportunities.”
Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development
Quick facts
- Funding for the $7 million Women’s Voice and Leadership initiative announced today is part of Canada’s $150-million commitment to improve the capacity of women’s organizations announced by Minister Bibeau in June 2017.
- From 2016 to 2017, Canada provided over $192.2 million in development assistance, making Ethiopia the second-largest recipient of Canadian assistance after Afghanistan.
- Ethiopia is the largest recipient of Canada’s assistance in Africa.
Source: Canada’s international development – Global Affairs Canada